Michael Blume

Environment Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke says wildfire smoke can definitely have an impact on the development of thunderstorms — especially when it blocks out sunlight and prevents surface temperatures from hitting key thresholds. 

Environment Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke says air quality warnings and special air quality statements may seem similar, but they represent different levels of risk.

“The air quality warning is more serious than the special air quality statement… it's posing a bigger threat to your health. That kind of idea.”

He adds that this tiered approach applies across the board: warnings always indicate a more serious or immediate danger than statements.

Environment Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke says wildfire smoke can definitely have an impact on the development of thunderstorms — especially when it blocks out sunlight and prevents surface temperatures from hitting key thresholds. 

While wildfire smoke expected to blanket parts of Manitoba in haze and poor air quality on Saturday, the agricultural impact is only one part of a much more serious situation, says Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) president Jill Verwey.

Verwey, who farms near Portage la Prairie, acknowledges smoke-filled skies can sometimes reduce crop stress by lowering sunlight intensity and cooling temperatures during sensitive growth periods. But she says that benefit comes with a heavy cost.

While wildfire smoke continues to blanket parts of Manitoba in haze and poor air quality, the agricultural impact is only one part of a much more serious situation, says Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) president Jill Verwey. 

Verwey acknowledges that smoke-filled skies can sometimes reduce crop stress by lowering sunlight intensity and cooling temperatures during sensitive growth periods. But she says that benefit comes with a heavy cost. 

Ferdi Nelissen, Garth Asham, and their teammates were recently inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame as members of two dominant squads: the 1983–85 Winnipeg Internationals and the 1987–89 Winnipeg Ashams. The recognition wasn’t just for individual feats, but for what they accomplished as a unit—winning provincial championships, representing Manitoba at nationals, and competing at ISC World Tournaments.

Nelissen brings the sport to life and makes you want to join a fastball team to garner memories, as he explains how that the honour meant more because it was shared. 

Dry conditions are creating mounting concern for Manitoba producers as rainfall totals in many areas fall well below the seasonal norm. According to provincial livestock and forage specialist Shawn Cabak, climate data shows a sharp contrast from last year, with major implications for forage yields and pasture health. 

A recent provincial survey has revealed widespread mineral shortfalls in pasture forages across Manitoba. That's from Shawn Cabak, Livestock and Forage Specialist with the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).

He notes the 2024 study, conducted by Manitoba Agriculture, examined a variety of grazing systems and forage types between late August and mid-September.

Copper and zinc levels were consistently low in forages across nearly all surveyed pastures.

We can expect summer fuel prices to remain relatively steady over the coming months, with average rates currently sitting between $1.35 and $1.37 per litre in Steinbach. 

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) warns rural crime rates in the province’s Prairie regions are 400 per cent higher than the national average, citing limited police resources and repeat offenders as key challenges.

Statistics Canada data confirms the trend, with front-line policing strained by RCMP staff shortages and burnout.

Calls for bail reform and accountability

AMM President Kathy Valentino notes rural communities face disproportionate risks due to inadequate enforcement.