Barrhead, Alberta is under a Yellow Air Quality Warning as widespread wildfire smoke is expected to move in Monday afternoon and linger through the night. Environment Canada issued the alert early Monday, warning that the smoke will bring poor air quality and reduced visibility.
The temperature is forecast to reach 24 degrees Celsius, but with the humidity it will feel more like 27. The smoke originates from wildfires burning in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
The warning was issued jointly by Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Health, and Alberta Health Services. It is classified as moderate impact with high forecast confidence. Officials say air quality can change quickly over short distances.
Wildfire smoke can be especially hard on people with breathing problems like asthma or COPD. It can also lead to more emergency room visits for heart and lung issues during heavy smoke events. Those most at risk include seniors, pregnant people, young children, and anyone with a chronic illness.
Residents are advised to limit time outdoors, keep windows closed, and postpone strenuous activities. Anyone who starts feeling unwell should seek medical help.
This is not the first time the County of Barrhead has dealt with wildfire impacts this year. In late May, a grass fire near the Thunder Lake subdivision, about 20 kilometres west of town, destroyed six homes and damaged 13 others.
As of July 18, there have been 3,787 wildfires across Canada this season, burning roughly 2.9 million hectares. While the 2026 season is busier than historical averages, it is not as severe as the record-breaking years of 2023 and 2025.
