In Calgary, smoke sightings have shifted from being rare to a common occurrence due to the escalation in wildfires, resulting in larger, hotter, and earlier fires compared to previous decades. During an emergency management meeting in May 2023, an Environment Canada meteorologist presented data dating back to the 1950s to city councillors, highlighting a significant rise in smoke levels in recent years. This surge led to Calgary experiencing its smokiest year on record in 2023, logging 512 smoke hours between May and September. The subsequent year, in 2024, saw an additional 200 smoke hours, a substantial increase compared to the average of 12 smoke hours per season from 1981 to 2010 as per Environment Canada’s climate normals.
As the 2025 season unfolds, a data dashboard will monitor the intensity and frequency of wildfire smoke in Calgary through automated computer scripts, providing real-time updates for public reference. The focus will be on tracking fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, which consists of ultra-fine particles suspended in the air, with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns. The primary source of PM2.5 in Calgary is wildfire smoke, accounting for about 90% of the particulate matter in the air, as stated by Mandeep Dhaliwal, air quality program manager at the Calgary Region Airshed Zone.
Additionally, Environment Canada utilizes PM2.5 readings to map wildfire smoke distribution, showcasing the latest smoke plumes across North America. This mapping tool allows users to explore current smoke circulation patterns, offering insights into localized conditions. Hourly PM2.5 readings over the past week in Calgary can provide a snapshot of recent air quality trends, aiding individuals in understanding the air conditions they have encountered.
Furthermore, Environment Canada tracks smoke hours as a measure of wildfire impact, defining a smoke hour as a period when visibility drops below 9.7 kilometers due to smoke. This tracking method enables historical comparisons and intuitive assessments of smoke conditions over time. By examining past wildfire seasons through a similar lens, users can visualize the evolution of smoke patterns in Calgary throughout the decades, offering valuable insights into the city’s air quality history.