Manitoba skies darkened by Saskatchewan fires

WINNIPEG – Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for much of Manitoba, as fires in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories create a thick blanket of smoke.

The smoke is mainly aloft and creating hazy conditions across the province. Reduced visibility and poor air quality readings are worst near the Saskatchewan border.

READ MORE: Dry, hot weather fuelling Sask. wildfires; air quality statement issued

Conditions are expected to gradually improve starting Monday evening and into Tuesday as winds shift, sending the smoke westward.

READ MORE: GlobalNews.ca weather

Communities affected by the special weather advisory are:

• Winnipeg;
• Brandon, Carberry, Treherne;
• Portage la Prairie, Headingley, Brunkild, Carman;
• Steinbach, St. Adolphe, Dominion City, Vita, Richer;
• Selkirk, Gimli, Stonewall, Woodlands, Eriksdale;
• Morden, Winkler, Altona, Emerson, Morris;
• Virden, Souris;
• Melita, Boissevain, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park;
• Killarney, Pilot Mound, Manitou;
• Dugald, Beausejour, Grand Beach;
• 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;
• Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids, Pukatawagan; and
• Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage and Snow Lake.

The forecast for Winnipeg Monday calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. It’s also forecast to be a hot one, with the morning forecast from Environment Canada predicting a high of 28 and a high UV index of 7.

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