Alberta Air Quality Map
See current air-quality observations across Alberta from a province-focused starting view. AQHI remains the official health-risk index, while observed PM2.5 is shown separately as additional local particulate context when available.
Current air quality in Alberta
Official AQHI
Numbered markers use current Environment and Climate Change Canada Air Quality Health Index observations. AQHI communicates combined short-term health risk from multiple air pollutants.
Observed PM2.5
Where a nearby observation can be matched, FireRadar also surfaces preliminary hourly PM2.5 monitoring context from AirNow. PM2.5 remains a separate measurement from AQHI.
Province-focused view
The map opens centred on Alberta but keeps the national observation layer intact, so neighbouring readings remain visible when you pan or zoom.
AQHI and PM2.5 are different
AQHI is a health-risk index. PM2.5 is a measured concentration of fine particulate matter. A PM2.5 reading can help explain particulate conditions near a monitor, but it should not be substituted for the AQHI value or treated as the full health-risk picture.
FireRadar keeps the two values labelled separately so a user can see both the official health index and available particulate context without blending them into a new FireRadar score.
How wildfire smoke fits in
Wildfire smoke can raise PM2.5, but an elevated PM2.5 or AQHI reading does not by itself prove that a specific wildfire caused the local conditions. Weather, transport, other pollution sources, and monitoring location all matter.
Use the Alberta smoke forecast to compare current observations with ECCC FireWork model guidance showing where wildfire-smoke PM2.5 is forecast to move.
How to use the Alberta air quality map
Start with the local markers
Open a visible station marker to inspect the newest usable AQHI observation and its timestamp before treating it as current local context.
Compare PM2.5 when available
Use the separate PM2.5 value as particulate context. It may be unavailable at some AQHI locations and does not replace the official AQHI category.
Check the wider region
Pan beyond Alberta to see whether similar conditions appear at neighbouring monitoring locations instead of assuming one station represents the entire province.
Air-quality data and methodology
FireRadar's air-quality layer uses Environment and Climate Change Canada AQHI observations as the authoritative health-index dataset. Preliminary hourly PM2.5 observations from AirNow are optional supporting context and fail open: if PM2.5 is unavailable, the official AQHI layer continues to operate normally.
Observation limitations
Air-quality monitoring is station-based and coverage varies by location. A place without a visible marker is not proof of clean air, and one station should not be assumed to represent an entire province or territory. Check observation timestamps and follow official health advisories and local authorities when air quality affects health or safety.