Smoke from wildfires is once again blanketing parts of Manitoba, causing very poor air quality and reducing visibility.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for several regions, including Winnipeg, the Red River Valley, parts of the Interlake, the Whiteshell, and eastern Manitoba.
The smoky conditions are expected to persist through Thursday, with some improvement likely in the Winnipeg area by Friday as winds shift north.
However, areas such as the Whiteshell and Sprague are likely to remain affected beyond that point.
Weekend starts chilly after heavy rain and smoke
Rain, smoke, and cooler temperatures are the main story through Friday. Thursday brings mainly cloudy skies with a 60 per cent chance of morning showers, followed by heavy rain and a risk of thunderstorms by noon. Widespread smoke remains in the area. Winds from the north reach 30 km/h, gusting to 50, and temperatures rise to a high of 17°C.
Heavy rain continues Thursday night with up to 25 mm expected and continued smoke. Winds remain strong, and the overnight low falls to 8°C.
Friday sees more heavy rain with lingering smoke and strong north winds gusting up to 80 km/h. Temperatures fall sharply through the day, dropping to 3°C by the afternoon. Rain may mix with snow Friday night as conditions turn windy and cold, with a low near 1°C.
The weekend begins cloudy on Saturday with a high of 6°C. Sunshine returns Sunday and Monday, with highs of 13°C and 16°C, respectively.
Click here for the forecast.
Health impacts expected across all age groups
Environment and health officials warn that wildfire smoke can impact anyone’s health, regardless of age or current condition.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,” notes the advisory.
Common symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, and mild coughing. Less common but more serious symptoms can include wheezing, chest pain, and severe coughing.
Officials urge people to seek immediate medical help if a medical emergency occurs.
Certain groups are more likely to be affected by wildfire smoke. This includes older adults, pregnant individuals, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work outdoors.
Indoor safety measures recommended
Officials are encouraging everyone to stay indoors as much as possible and take steps to protect indoor air quality.
“When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible,” mentions the statement. “Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles."
Mask use and outdoor guidance
Those who need to be outside for any reason are advised to keep their time outdoors short and wear appropriate respiratory protection.
“A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke,” adds the advisory.
Officials are also reminding residents to check in on those who may be more affected by the smoke.