Fort Saskatchewan woke up to a yellow air quality warning Monday morning as wildfire smoke blankets the region, reducing visibility and making it harder to breathe. Environment Canada issued the alert at 8:39 a.m. MDT, warning that conditions could be especially tough for seniors, young children, and anyone with lung or heart issues.
The warning covers the city and Northern Strathcona County, with smoke expected to hang around all day. Environment Canada is calling for a few showers early on, with a chance of thunder, before the sky clears somewhat this afternoon. More widespread smoke is likely later in the day, combined with north winds gusting to 40 km/h. The high is expected to reach 24°C, feeling more like 28 with the humidity.
The smoke drifting into Alberta comes from wildfires burning in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. Across the country, the 2026 wildfire season has already seen close to 3,800 fires, scorching roughly 2.9 million hectares. Of the nearly 800 fires currently active, 60 are considered out of control.
Residents are being told to stay indoors if they can, keep windows and doors shut, and use good air filters in their homes. Anyone who has to be outside should think about wearing a well-fitted N95 mask. Those at highest risk from the smoke include people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and anyone with ongoing health issues. Health Canada reminds everyone there is no truly safe level of wildfire smoke.
There is a bright spot, though. The forecast for the rest of the week shows temperatures climbing to 32°C by Thursday and Friday, with sunny skies returning by mid-week. Tuesday could still bring some smoke and a slight chance of thunderstorms, but after that things are looking up for Fort Saskatchewan.
