Poor air quality ratings in Saskatchewan expected to remain in effect on Monday: Environment Canada

Poor air quality ratings in Saskatchewan are expected to remain in effect “at times” on Monday, Environment Canada said on Sunday.

Air quality readings have improved over the southern part of the province in the past few days as an area of forest fire smoke moves out of the area, Environment Canada said in special air quality statement. “However, another area of smoke is expected to drift in across much of southern Saskatchewan tonight into Monday from the northwest United States,” the statement said on Sunday. “This will result in a reduction in air quality values as well as locally reduced visibilities overnight into Monday across portions of southern Saskatchewan.”

Areas affected include Estevan, Weyburn, Radville and Milestone.

Environment Canada warned that individuals living in or travelling in the area are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with the air conditions. “Even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath,” the statement noted.

The western provinces – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba – have all been affected in recent days by smoke from wildfires in the northwestern U.S. On Friday, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer warned that “most of the province is expected to experience some level of haze over the weekend,” with western Manitoba along the Saskatchewan border and portions of the north expected to experience the highest concentrations of smoke.

Last week, Alberta Health Services also issued air quality advisories for Edmonton and for the province’s south (Lethbridge, Medicine Hat), Calgary and central (including Two Hills, Drumheller, Lloydminister and Rocky Mountain House) zones.