Winnipeg and much of southern Manitoba woke up to dark, hazy skies Thursday morning.
Smoke from wildfires in Alberta and BC have blanketed the prairies and as a result, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued Special Air Quality Statements which included Winnipeg Thursday.
Wednesday, smoke from the fires was quite apparent on satellite imagery.
Heavy smoke reduced air quality throughout Alberta and most of Saskatchewan.
Smoke moved into Winnipeg and the Red River Valley Wednesday afternoon and evening due to air moving along a cold front, situated north of the province.
This was the set up Wednesday. Winds moved along the cold front, heading towards the low pressure system. As the low pressure system moved east, smoke was drawn along the advancing front and became more visible to Winnipeggers Thursday.
WATCH: Special weather statement issued for parts of Manitoba Wednesday
Behind the cold front, the smoke is less of a factor. Thursday morning the reduced air quality advisory was removed from north western Manitoba as high pressure behind the front helped move smoke out of the area, pushing it south.
Even though the smoke is more apparent within the city of Winnipeg, the air quality only saw a small change.
Wednesday, according to the air quality index on the Environment and Climate Change Canada website, Winnipeg was at a level 3 which is considered low risk.
Thursday, the city’s air quality level was given a rating of 5 which indicates a moderate risk.
The cold front is expected to pass by Winnipeg later Thursday, helping to clear the skies but this will only be temporary. Southwesterly winds will return Friday so this cold front is only a quick fix.
Smoky conditions are likely to continue in varying degrees until the forest fire situation in the western provinces subsides. A good amount of rain over the prairies could clear the air, but only scattered showers expected anytime soon.
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