Smoky conditions in Prince Albert. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Smoky Conditions

Air quality statements issued across Saskatchewan, smoke causing air quality index to peak

Sep 3, 2023 | 10:14 AM

The last long weekend of the summer in Saskatchewan will be remembered as one plagued by smoke.

Nearly all areas across the province are under air quality statements due to smoke lingering in from wildfires in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

Dan Fulton, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said people should get used to it staying around for the next few days.

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“We might see a little bit of improvement on Tuesday, but it’ll probably be short-lived because the winds that are supposed to bring it out of the area will bring it back.”

Fulton also added the current conditions are somewhat hazardous, mainly when driving. This is due to how thick the smoke is.

“Visibility in Prince Albert (Sunday morning) is just one mile, but if you go a little bit to the west to places like Meadow Lake and Cold Lake (Alberta) they’re actually at a quarter mile.”

Environment Canada’s air quality index, which rates the amount of air pollution on a scale of one to 10+, is also peaking. Because of this, people should avoid going outside as much as possible.

“If you have to go outside and you’re sensitive, some sort of mask is probably not a bad idea,” said Fulton.

He noted when the index is at 10+, everyone should avoid going outside including those without health conditions.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow