Kelowna Air Quality: AQI 86 (Moderate)
Live air quality index, wildfire smoke (PM2.5) and the Central Okanagan AQHI · Sources: Open-Meteo & Environment Canada
Kelowna's air quality index is currently 86 (Moderate), with PM2.5 fine-smoke particles measured at 6.5 µg/m³ and an Environment Canada Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) of 2 (low health risk) for the Central Okanagan. During wildfire season, roughly July through September, Kelowna and the Okanagan regularly record some of the worst air quality in Canada as smoke settles in the valley. PM2.5 is the primary wildfire-smoke pollutant; when it rises, the smoke radar below shows where the smoke is drifting from.
What is the air quality in Kelowna right now?
PM2.5 (smoke particles)
6.5 µg/m³
AQHI (Central Okanagan)
2.0
Dominant pollutant
PM2.5
Air quality is acceptable.
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
Kelowna smoke radar
Live PM2.5 wildfire-smoke concentration over the Okanagan. Press play to watch the smoke forecast move across the region.
Kelowna air quality — past 24 hours
Air Quality Index (past 24 hours)
| Date | Value |
|---|---|
| 11 AM | 89 |
| 12 PM | 89 |
| 1 PM | 90 |
| 2 PM | 90 |
| 3 PM | 90 |
| 4 PM | 91 |
| 5 PM | 92 |
| 6 PM | 92 |
| 7 PM | 92 |
| 8 PM | 93 |
| 9 PM | 94 |
| 10 PM | 105 |
| 11 PM | 114 |
| 12 AM | 117 |
| 1 AM | 115 |
| 2 AM | 110 |
| 3 AM | 99 |
| 4 AM | 90 |
| 5 AM | 89 |
| 6 AM | 88 |
| 7 AM | 87 |
| 8 AM | 87 |
| 9 AM | 87 |
| 10 AM | 86 |
Kelowna air quality, explained
This page tracks two measures. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a 0–500 scale driven mainly by PM2.5 fine-smoke particles. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is Environment Canada's 1–10+ health-risk scale for the Central Okanagan. During Okanagan wildfire season the two can diverge — the AQHI weights the combined health risk of ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulates, while the AQI here is PM2.5-dominant.
Real-time data is preliminary and may not reflect official air quality advisories. For health decisions, follow BC Air Quality and Interior Health advisories.
