Wildfire smoke clears from Saskatchewan for week-long break

A cold front moving over Saskatchewan has brought some much-needed relief from wildfire smoke.

“Behind that (the cold front) we had some northernly winds that helped clean out the smoke,” said Environment Canada Meteorologist Shannon Moodie.

A few smoke air quality advisories were still in place for southern Saskatchewan Sunday morning, but Moodie expects those to to be lifted with smoke staying away for at least a few days.

“It looks like we will get a decent break from the smoke through Saskatchewan and Manitoba,” she said.

With fires still burning in British Columbia, it is hard to forecast how long Saskatchewan will be smoke-free said Moodie, but she anticipates it will last until late in the week.

“Towards the weekend the upper flow is going to get more westerly so there again has a chance of bringing in some smoke,” she said.

If air quality advisories are re-issued Moodie suggests people trust their instincts.

“Check in with your body and how you’re feeling,” she said. “Some people really feel the effects of poor air quality, some don’t notice anything at all.”