Throughout the summer, Weyburn has seen a number of advisories from Environment and Climate Change Canada for the air quality, primarily due to wildfires burning in northern Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. The most recent was an air quality warning issued for much of the day Thursday. This warning did raise a few eyebrows around the town, however, as it didn’t appear too bad. In fact, air quality sensors in place in the city showed the AQHI was below 6.
So, why the warnings?
The warnings are issued when the forecasted air quality health index, or AQHI, will reach 10 or higher. On Thursday, smoke was detected aloft in the upper levels of the atmosphere, resulting in a light haze visible closer to the ground. The warning was issued with the possibility that the smoke could move down, mixing with air at the surface level, and thus degrading the air quality.
The measurements for air quality are taken in three locations in the Weyburn area. The monitors, which the City of Weyburn maintains, are at the Leisure Centre, Crescent Point Place, and at Goodwater. These are the sensors used by the City of Weyburn to determine when events or facilities are closed due to poor air quality, independently of the warnings or statements issued by Environment Canada.
When a warning is issued, it is recommended to limit time outdoors, rescheduling events such as outdoor sports. They advise that people may experience symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. Environment Canada also recommends checking in on others who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, such as those over 65, pregnant women, infants, young children, and those with an existing illness or chronic health condition.