Smoke from wildfires near the Hudson Bay area has caused low air quality in several areas of Northwest Saskatchewan. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Smoke/haze

Poor air quality, dry conditions in Northwest region

Oct 5, 2021 | 3:12 PM

After a summer filled with wildfires, western Saskatchewan still hasn’t seen the last of those conditions.

Air quality warnings are in place for much of the province, as wildfires from the Hudson Bay region have created smoke that easterly winds have pushed west towards the Alberta border. Meteorologist Justin Shelley with Environment Canada said it should start to clear out Tuesday evening, as the first plume of smoke will have made its way through the area.

“However, we should expect smoke around until about Thursday, when a low pressure system moves through the region and switches those winds back around,” he said.

Shelley said we’ve been lucky to see an extension of summer conditions, as the average daily high for this time of the year in Meadow Lake, Lloydminster and the Battlefords is around 12 C. Moving forward, he expects a more seasonal pattern.

“That big upper ridge that’s been in place for weeks will flatten out and create near-average conditions for the next couple weeks,” he said. “We’ve had temperatures well above normal highs the last couple weeks, so these diminishing temperatures will just knock us back down to where we should be.”

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Monday’s forecast is showing a high of 11 C and Shelley said there’s other conditions on the horizon worth noting.

“We are tracking a system into next week that could bring precipitation and winds,” he said. “But at this point, it’s a little too far out to assume anything.”

Over the next two days of poor air quality, Shelley recommended limiting strenuous outdoor activity during times of poor air quality, staying hydrated and taking steps to reduce the possibility of smoke entering the house.

“If possible, keep your windows closed.”

Fire ban still in effect

Several municipalities are monitoring regional conditions given the dryness of the season so far. Kevin Steinborn, Deputy Chief with the North Battleford Fire Department, said the city’s fire ban has remained in effect due to dry conditions and will remain until snowfall occurs.

“It’s very dry out there still and with all the smoke we’re experiencing that is coming from wildfires, [we need to be cautious],” he said.

The Battlefords are expected to have temperatures above 20 C and while there’s a drop to 13 C on Thursday, conditions should be sunny through most of the weekend. Meadow Lake has a mix of sun and cloud, but also isn’t expected to have any precipitation until next week.

“The rest of this week is staying warm and dry, so we’ve been reminding people to be careful in disposing cigarettes and that there’s no burning other than in approved fire pits,” Steinborn said.

Information on approved fire pits can be found on the City of North Battleford’s website.

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