A special air quality warning is in effect for Westlock and surrounding areas of Westlock County as of Monday morning, July 20, 2026, with Environment Canada warning that widespread wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
The warning was issued at 8:39 a.m. and covers the region near Westlock and Clyde. Officials say smoke conditions can change rapidly over short distances and from hour to hour.
Monday started with a few showers and a risk of thunderstorms, but skies are expected to clear later in the day, leaving behind smoky conditions and a high of 24°C with a humidex of 27. Local rainfall amounts of up to five millimetres were possible in the morning.
Environment Canada says people who are more sensitive to smoke, such as those 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, and anyone with existing health conditions, should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Anyone experiencing symptoms from the smoke is urged to seek medical attention.
Smoke will linger Monday night with a low of 12°C, and Tuesday will remain smoky with a high of 25°C and a humidex of 30 before conditions finally start to improve Tuesday night.
Once the smoke clears, a noticeable warm-up arrives. Wednesday will see a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 29°C, well above the seasonal normal of 23°C. Thursday will be even hotter, climbing to 32°C before unsettled weather returns by the weekend with a 30 percent chance of showers Friday night and a 60 percent chance Saturday night.
Nationally, this wildfire season has already seen 3,787 fires burn about 2.9 million hectares as of July 18, with active fires across nine provinces and all three territories. The season is shaping up to be above historical averages, though not as severe as the record-setting years of 2023 and 2025.
