Saskatchewan Under Air Quality Warnings as Smoke Blankets the province
Saskatchewan residents are facing widespread air quality warnings as thick smoke from forest fires in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories descends upon the province.
Warnings are currently in effect for western Saskatchewan, areas bordering Alberta, and central regions including Saskatoon. Cities like Saskatoon and Prince Albert are forecast to experience air quality index readings of 10 or higher through Monday and Tuesday,with heavy smoke expected to persist throughout the week.
“Unluckily, with the concentration of smoke and the wind direction, it looks like it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better,” said Dave Carlsen, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Northern communities, from Buffalo Narrows to Uranium City, are also under air quality warnings, with Buffalo Narrows and surrounding areas anticipating “very high risk” conditions by Tuesday.
Smoke to Spread Southward
The smoke is expected to spread across the entire province. A northerly wind flow following a recent cold front will push the smoke southward, impacting much of southern Saskatchewan by Monday night. Air quality warnings are likely to expand accordingly on Tuesday.While the southward movement may offer temporary relief to some areas - lasting approximately 24 hours - the smoke is predicted to cycle back north.
Environment Canada advises residents to limit outdoor activity and postpone outdoor sports.Even short-term exposure can cause coughing and eye irritation, making it crucial to stay indoors with well-filtered air whenever possible.
