Air quality advisories continue in areas of Saskatchewan

Air quality advisories remained in place Monday for some areas of Saskatchewan — and the advisories likely will continue for a few days.

Environment Canada initially issued the advisories for the areas around Hudson Bay, Porcupine Plain, Humboldt, Wynyard, Wadena, Lanigan, Foam Lake, Melfort, Tisdale, Nipawin and Carrot River.

Early Monday afternoon, areas in and around Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman, Rosthern, Delisle and Wakaw were added to the advisory.

Later in the day, the advisory was extended to areas around Kindersley, Rosetown, Biggar, Wilkie, Macklin, Prince Albert, Shellbrook, Spiritwood, Duck Lake, The Battlefords, Unity, Maidstone and St. Walburg.

The weather agency said smoke from forest fires north of Hudson Bay is the culprit.

“Easterly winds are pushing the smoke to areas of central Saskatchewan this evening,” the advisory said. “Conditions are quite localized and are expected to improve later this week.”

The smoke may cause increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath for some people. Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease such as asthma are considered especially at risk.

More information is available on the Environment Canada alerts webpage.