Air quality advisories issued for central, southern Sask.

By Environment Canada

Elevated pollution levels are expected or occurring.

Smoke from forest fires in the United States are causing elevated AQHI values throughout areas in Western Saskatchewan. At 8 PM CST Saskatoon and Swift Current were reporting AQHI values around 7. These conditions are expected to last throughout the night and begin to decrease Sunday morning as a cold front moves through the province. Smoke may drift into eastern parts of the province overnight and more special air quality statements may be added later this evening.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Visit Airhealth for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.