By Kathy Gallant

Heat and air warnings affecting Meadow Lake region this week

Aug 8, 2018 | 12:00 PM

The hazy days of summer are taking on a literal meaning this week in the Meadow Lake region.

Heat warnings and special air quality statements have been widely issued across the province this week. Terri Lang, meteorologist with Environment Canada said areas affected include Green Lake, Pierceland, Goodsoil, Big River, Chitek Lake, Loon Lake, Makwa, Meadow Lake and surrounding First Nations communities.

She expects the heat warning to last through to late Saturday or early Sunday.

“It’s going to be with us the bulk of the rest of the week,” Lang said. “It should cool off when we get a cool front moves through and get showers and thundershowers. We are expecting temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, and with the northern region, the heat advisory there is quite above the base number for the region which is usually around 29 degrees Celsius.”

The special air quality statements were announced late Tuesday and early Wednesday, due to heavy smoke pouring in from forest fires burning in British Columbia and Alberta. Lang said a massive ridge of high pressure is trapping the smoke, carrying it thousands of kilometres. The visibility is reduced as the smoke is mixing down to the earth’s surface.

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Lang said anyone facing respiratory issues, children and the elderly should be careful in both excessively hot and smoky conditions.  

“With the combination of both the smoke at the heat, it’s going to be a real challenge for those struggling with any health conditions,” Lang said. “I think everybody should be aware, and take precautions where they can. Do activities in the morning and evening when it cools off, seek places with air condition, get your body to a place where it can cool off.”

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath