According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, we’re in for at least another day of thick wildfire smoke here in Moose Jaw, with only a brief reprieve expected for mid-week.
The smoke — primarily from fires raging in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba — is being driven southwards, fueling some of the worst air quality conditions in the region.
“There’s a sensor (in Central Butte) that’s basically got the worst air in southern Saskatchewan,” said Meteorologist Crawford Luke.
“The air is worse further north, closer to the fires, but as far as southern Saskatchewan, it looks like the worst of it is kind of right around Moose Jaw right now.”
He noted that this is despite the fact that the nearest official Air Quality Health Index station, located in Regina, is displaying a moderate risk level of six.
The smoke is being driven south by a cold front that moved through early Tuesday morning, shifting winds out of the north and bringing poor air quality with it. Current models indicate that this pattern will hold for the next couple of days before improving slightly.
“It looks like it’s going to linger through Wednesday, and our latest model has it even into Thursday morning,” Luke said. “But then throughout the day Thursday, it looks like it should push back north.”
While residents wait for the smoke to subside and air quality to improve, Luke advises everyone, especially those with respiratory conditions or other health conditions, to take precautions.
“As much as possible, people should really try to limit outdoor activity, and in particular, strenuous outdoor activity,” he said.
“If you do have to be outside… it’s really a good idea to probably consider wearing a mask, especially if you’re going to be outside for extended periods of time.”
He added that it is best to remain in a well-ventilated indoor space whenever possible.
If you are planning to work or partake in activities outdoors, Luke recommends taking advantage of the slightly improved conditions expected on Thursday.
“If there is like an outdoor task or something that people are looking to get done this week, it looks like Thursday is probably the best day from an air quality point of view,” he said.
Smoke conditions are impacting a broad region, stretching from Medicine Hat, Alta., to Kenora, Ont., and will likely continue fluctuating as fire activity and wind patterns evolve. Residents can expect further air quality advisories to be issued by ECCC as the weekend approaches.