Areas of southern Saskatchewan still dealing with smoky conditions

Saskatchewan is slowly getting out of the smoke.

As of Tuesday at 10:15 a.m., special air quality statements due to wildfire smoke remained in place for parts of the province, but mainly only a band across the south.

Regions affected included those around Assiniboia, Gravelbourg, Carlyle, Carnduff, Bienfait, Estevan, Weyburn, Leader, Gull Lake, Moosomin, Grenfell, Wawota, Shaunavon and Maple Creek. Lloydminster also was under a similar advisory.

“Gradual improvement is expected in most areas today and into Wednesday as a ridge of high pressure builds in from the west,” Environment and Climate Change Canada said in the statement.

That was evident by 12:45 p.m., when the advisory was lifted for every region except the southwest.

The weather service noted that heavy concentrations of smoke in the air can affect everyone, but especially people who are older, have lung or heart conditions, are pregnant or work outside, as well as children. Those groups in particular were advised to reduce their exposure.

Wildfire smoke — mostly from the fires burning in B.C. and the Northwest Territories — has been hanging over the province for much of the summer. Environment Canada meteorologist Dan Fulton said Monday that smoky weather is still expected in the province a few more times throughout the month of September.

More information is available on the Environment Canada alerts webpage.