Smoke in Edmonton jumps from 14 hours annually to 199+ in 15 years

Between 1981 and 2023, the number of annual "smoke hours" in Edmonton has risen from an average of 14 to 199 hours so far this year. Experts say it's affecting our mental health.

Between 1981 and 2010, the average amount of smoke Edmonton recorded annually was 14 hours. So far this year, that number was more than 199 hours.

In the spring and summer of 2023, Alberta has dealt with unprecedented wildfires, flooding, smoky — almost apocalyptic — air, air quality health index alerts, heat warnings, tornados and electricity grid alerts.

Another special air-quality statement was issued Thursday due to smoke, and Edmonton’s air-quality health index reached a Level 7 (high risk) Friday.

“We’ve had an extended period of warm and dry conditions through much of Alberta and western Canada,” said Justin Shelley, a weather preparedness meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada. “That’s been a primer for this significant wildfire year.

“Going back to April, every month we’ve seen temperatures above average and precipitation below average.”

It’s a trend that’s likely to continue, experts say.

“As we see temperatures rise, changing precipitation patterns, we have drier years and warmer years, it’s going to lead to conditions that are more favourable for wildfire starts and growth,” Shelley said.

It also likely to mean more wildfire smoke.