Special air quality statement for central and northern Saskatchewan

UPDATE: Special air quality statement extended across most of Saskatchewan

A special air quality statement has been extended to parts of central Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada said high levels of air pollution are expected or occurring due to smoke from wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.

READ MORE: Hundreds evacuated from Pelican Narrows, Sask. over wildfire concerns

Reduced visibility and extremely poor air quality is expect at times throughout the day and into Thursday for much of central and northern Saskatchewan.

Winds will gradually turn southeasterly during the day, which will shift the heaviest bands of smoke back towards northern Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada said local wind flow will still affect distribution of the heaviest smoke.

READ MORE: Northern Manitoba wildfire forces evacuations in Saskatchewan

People may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.

Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk from the poor air quality.

Officials said people experiencing breathing difficulties should stay indoors and find a place that is cool and ventilated.

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Special air quality statement issued for:

• Meadow Lake – Big River – Green Lake – Pierceland

Special air quality statement continued for:

• Hudson Bay – Porcupine Plain
• Kamsack – Canora – Preeceville
• La Ronge – Prince Albert Nat. Park – Narrow Hills Prov. Park
• Melfort – Tisdale – Nipawin – Carrot River
• Pelican Narrows – Cumberland House – Creighton
• Prince Albert – Shellbrook – Spiritwood – Duck Lake
• Southend – Brabant Lake – Kinoosao