Smoke expected to linger through morning in Saskatoon

Thursday morning was expected to be smoky in Saskatoon and through parts of west-central Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada issued air quality statements for Saskatoon and area, warning that smoke from large wildfires in British Columbia would be drifting into the province.

Meteorologist Mike Russo said the smoky conditions were expected to clear up over the course of the day.

“As we get into the afternoon hours, we should see a gradual improvement,” he said.

Russo explained that smoke was being concentrated along the leading edge of a cold front making its way across the northern grain belt.

He said some haze would likely remain, but overall conditions would improve as the cold front moved through the areas around North Battleford and Saskatoon.

Regina and southern Saskatchewan were expected to be spared for Thursday, but smoke was expected to be an issue on Friday.

—With files from 650 CKOM’s Brent Bosker