Environment

Air Quality

Real-time Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) monitoring across Alberta stations

AQHI Scale Reference

Air Quality Health Index — how to read the numbers

ECCC

1–3

Low Risk

Ideal air quality. Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.

4–6

Moderate Risk

Consider reducing outdoor activity if you experience symptoms.

7–10

High Risk

Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.

10+

Very High Risk

Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Stay indoors if possible.

Stations Reporting

ECCC AQHI

Average AQHI

2.6

across all Alberta stations

Best Station

2.25 — Central Okanagan

lowest current AQHI

Worst Station

3.07 — North Okanagan

highest current AQHI

Station Readings

All Alberta AQHI stations — sorted worst to best

5 stations

Location	AQHI	Risk Level	Last Updated
North Okanagan	3.07	Moderate Risk	Mar 12, 08:00 p.m.
Sparwood	2.66	Low Risk	Mar 12, 08:00 p.m.
South Okanagan	2.63	Low Risk	Mar 12, 08:00 p.m.
Castlegar	2.49	Low Risk	Mar 12, 08:00 p.m.
Central Okanagan	2.25	Low Risk	Mar 12, 08:00 p.m.

What Affects Air Quality in Alberta

Key factors that influence AQHI readings across the province

Wildfire Smoke

Alberta's wildfire season (May–September) can push AQHI readings to 10+ across the entire province. Smoke from BC and NWT fires also drifts in regularly.

Industrial Emissions

Oil sands operations, refineries, and petrochemical plants near Fort McMurray, Edmonton's Industrial Heartland, and Red Deer corridor contribute to baseline pollutant levels.

Winter Inversions

Temperature inversions trap pollutants near ground level during cold Alberta winters, particularly in Edmonton and Calgary valleys. AQHI can spike for days during inversions.

Agricultural Burning

Fall stubble burning and spring land clearing in rural Alberta temporarily degrades air quality downwind. Affects communities near agricultural areas seasonally.

Alberta Pulse Check — Air Quality — Data from ECCC AQHI API