The fires in northern Saskatchewan, which have prompted Premier Scott Moe to call a state of emergency, are expected to contribute to smoky skies in southeast Saskatchewan as winds shift to come from the north.
The latest update from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, issued Thursday afternoon, indicated there are currently 17 wildfires in the province. So far this year, there have been 207 wildfires in Saskatchewan, 40 more than this time last year, and well ahead of the five-year average of 125.
The fires have caused air quality issues north of the Trans-Canada Highway, but that is expected to change in the coming days, explained Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Danielle Desjardins.
"We have issued air quality statements and warnings, with very poor air quality across the northern half of the province,” the meteorologist said. “But that smoke, we're seeing a cold front track across the northern portion of the province today. That's going to shift the winds to the northwest across the province, which will actually bring the smoke down further south."
As the smoke moves into the southeast corner of the province, it does increase the likelihood of air quality advisories being issued for Weyburn and the surrounding areas, Desjardins added.
Projections from the website FireSmoke.ca are calling for the smoke to be the heaviest in the Weyburn area early Saturday morning, and starting to improve in the afternoon and late evening, but with the smoke lingering throughout the weekend.
"The south has been relatively smoke-free so far due to the southerly winds and just basically the wind patterns,” the meteorologist continued. "That smoke has been wafted north as opposed to south. But as I mentioned, with this cold front moving through, we are expecting that shift in wind to shift the smoke pattern to track further south and east into the province, or the southeastern portion of the province."
Desjardins provided some tips for those who may be impacted by the air quality.
"Everybody is at risk when we are dealing with air pollution and smoke inhalation, she said. “There are some people who are at higher risk, including seniors, infants and young children. People who work outdoors, if they are performing strenuous outdoor exercise."
With warm, sunny weather coming, the smoke could dampen many activities. Desjardins recommended staying indoors and limiting time outdoors to prevent irritations and symptoms caused by smoke inhalation.
The SPSA also extended the fire ban that is in effect for Crown lands, provincial parks within the provincial forest, and the provincial forest itself to include a ban on All-Terrain Vehicles and Utility Terrain Vehicles. This is to help reduce the number of fire starts.
-with files from Scott Boulton/Discover Estevan