Air quality statement for southern Saskatchewan

UPDATE: Air quality statement continued in southern Saskatchewan

A special air quality statement is in place Tuesday for all of southern Saskatchewan due to smoke from wildfires.

Environment Canada said westerly winds are spreading significant amounts of smoke across the Prairies.

READ MORE: Environment Canada issues air quality statement for parts of southern Alberta

Conditions are expected to improve as a cold front pushes through the region, bringing cleaner air from the north.

The cold front will move through western Saskatchewan on Tuesday morning, then slump southeastwards before moving through the eastern part of the province by Tuesday evening.

Many areas under the advisory can expect elevated AQHI (air quality health index) values between four and seven, however some areas could see very high values.

The AQHI value Tuesday morning in Swift Current is 10.

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.

People experiencing breathing difficulties should stay indoors and find a place that is cool and ventilated.

READ MORE: Special air quality statement for southern Manitoba

Wearing a mask is not the best way to protect health during a smoke event. Officials said along with giving a false sense of security, it could make breathing more difficult.

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Special air quality statement for:

• Regina
• Leader – Gull Lake
• Swift Current – Herbert – Cabri – Kyle – Lucky Lake
• Shaunavon – Maple Creek – Val Marie – Cypress Hills
• Moose Jaw – Pense – Central Butte – Craik
• Fort Qu’Appelle – Indian Head – Lumsden – Pilot Butte
• Assiniboia – Gravelbourg – Coronach
• Estevan – Weyburn – Radville – Milestone
• Moosomin – Grenfell – Kipling – Wawota
• Carlyle – Oxbow – Carnduff – Bienfait – Stoughton

Special air quality statement ended for:

• Yorkton – Melville – Esterhazy
• Hudson Bay – Porcupine Plain
• Kamsack – Canora – Preeceville
• Saskatoon
• Melfort – Tisdale – Nipawin – Carrot River
• Martensville – Warman – Rosthern – Delisle – Wakaw
• Outlook – Watrous – Hanley – Imperial – Dinsmore
• Humboldt – Wynyard – Wadena – Lanigan – Foam Lake
• Kindersley – Rosetown – Biggar – Wilkie – Macklin