Calgary Weather Forecast for Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Thick smoke from wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia swept across Alberta on Tuesday.

At 8 a.m., Calgary’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) was rated at 7 (high risk), with some locations – including Edmonton and Red Deer – reaching 10+ (the highest rating on the AQHI scale).

Humidity was also unusually high on Tuesday morning, partly due to water vapor clinging to smoke particles from the wildfires.

At around 7 a.m., the humidity in Calgary was 88 percent.

At 8 a.m., the humidity at YYC Calgary International Airport was 69 percent.

On Tuesday, BC Wildfire reported 300 active wildfires and Alberta Wildfire reported 176 active and assisting wildfires.

The smoke in central and southern Alberta came primarily from the southwest, with much of it flowing over the Rockies from British Columbia.

Both daytime highs and nighttime lows will remain well above seasonal averages in Calgary on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures beginning to drop on Thursday.

That moderation will likely be accompanied by some lightning and strong winds, creating additional challenges for wildfires.

Storm power will be available across central and southern Alberta on Tuesday, provided the smoke plume from the wildfires can be overcome.

If thunderstorms develop, they will likely occur north of Calgary and in east-central Alberta.