WINNIPEG – Manitobans with respiratory issues are experiencing difficulties as smoke from Saskatchewan forest fires created a haze even across Investors Group Field at the Blue Bombers game Thursday.
READ MORE: Wildfires continue to choke Saskatchewan; air quality statements continue
A red sun shone through thick smoke that obscured the horizon in Winnipeg Friday morning. The only area of Manitoba not under an air quality statement is the northeastern reaches of the province.
Winnipeggers complained about breathing difficulties but also used the opportunity to take unusual photos of obscured views and strange skies during a week of smoky conditions.
READ MORE: GlobalNews.ca weather
Football fans noted the haze obscuring the seats across from them at Investors Group Field, where the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lost their home opener 52-26 to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
An air quality statement from Environment Canada says the smoke is being carried by west to northwesterly winds from fires in northern Saskatchewan. Areas of Manitoba closest to the Saskatchewan border are the most affected by reduced visibility and poor air quality.
Smoky conditions are expected to continue in southern Manitoba until winds begin to turn southerly on Saturday, Environment Canada states. Areas affected are:
- Winnipeg;
- Brandon, Carberry, Treherne;
- Portage la Prairie, Headingley, Brunkild, Carman;
- Steinbach, St. Adolphe, Dominion City, Vita, Richer;
- Morden, Winkler, Altona, Emerson, Morris;
- Selkirk, Gimli, Stonewall, Woodlands, Eriksdale;
- Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, Snow Lake;
- Thompson, Nelson House, Split Lake;
- Virden, Souris;
- Melita, Boissevain, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park;
- Killarney, Pilot Mound, Manitou;
- Dugald, Beausejour, Grand Beach;
- Bissett, Nopiming Provincial Park, Pine Falls;
- Whiteshell, Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa;
- Sprague, Northwest Angle Provincial Forest;
- Grand Rapids;
- Arborg, Hecla, Fisher River, Gypsumville, Ashern;
- Dauphin, Roblin, Winnipegosis;
- Minnedosa, Neepawa, Russell, Riding Mountain National Park;
- Ste. Rose, McCreary, Alonsa, Gladstone;
- The Pas, Wanless, Westray, Clearwater Lake Provincial Park;
- Swan River, Duck Mountain, Porcupine Provincial Forest;
- Norway House, Cross Lake, Wabowden;
- Poplar River;
- Berens River, Little Grand Rapids, Bloodvein, Atikaki;
- Brochet; and
- Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids and Pukatawagan.
A high of 28 C was forecast for Winnipeg Friday, with widespread smoke expected throughout the day.
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