Courtesy/Environment Canada

By Jesse Gill

AIR QUALITY

Air quality statement ends in Medicine Hat area Wednesday afternoon

Jul 16, 2025 | 7:46 AM

An air quality statement in effect for Medicine Hat, in place since following a warning on Monday was lifted Wednesday afternoon.

Environment Canada had the air quality at a high risk of seven early Wednesday morning, but it fluctuated down to a moderate risk of four just before 8 a.m, which returned to a high risk of seven just before 10 a.m.

On Wednesday just before 3 p.m. the weather statement was lifted, although a moderate risk of four was still observed by Environment Canada.

A day prior, a low risk of three on Tuesday morning, jumped to a very high risk of 10+ before the noon hour.

Wildfire smoke can cause poor air quality due to elevated values of fine particulate matter.

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Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour, according to Environment Canada.

As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.

Environment Canada advises people to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events when the statements or warnings are in place.

During these times, you may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.

More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

More information is available at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke or albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.

Information on the current air quality levels, and how to reduce your health risk is also available at airhealth.ca.

It’s advised to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada, and additional information from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, and Alberta Health Services.