Environment Canada and Manitoba Health have issued a special air quality statement for wide areas of Manitoba as wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality and visibility.
The advisory, issued early Monday morning, includes Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk, Steinbach, and many other communities stretching from southern Manitoba to the north, including Thompson and Flin Flon.
"Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility," the statement reads.
Health officials warn that air quality can fluctuate quickly, even within short distances or over the course of a few hours. As smoke levels rise, the risk to health increases—particularly for vulnerable groups such as seniors, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors.
"This is again that wildfire smoke from northern Manitoba, and it's been hanging around," says Jason Knight, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. "We've got stagnant winds, so we're stuck with this for a few more hours and probably most of today. We're just into the high category where the general population should consider reducing strenuous activities today."
Symptoms can range from minor irritation of the eyes and throat to more serious effects like wheezing, chest pain, or severe coughing. Manitobans are urged to limit time outdoors and reschedule strenuous activities, especially if they fall into high-risk categories.
"When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible," the advisory notes, adding that air filters and certified portable air cleaners can help improve indoor air quality.
"We're looking at gradual improvement tonight, and we really won't see total clearing of this smoke until later on Tuesday when we finally get some strong southerly winds to push it up back to the north," says Knight.
Those who must go outside are advised to wear a properly fitted respirator-style mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95, to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter.
Officials also recommend checking in on friends, family, and neighbours who may be more susceptible to the effects of outdoor air pollution.