Environment Canada issued a special weather statement on Wednesday for parts of southern Manitoba, warning citizens about potential air quality risks.
The statement said a northwesterly flow aloft is carrying smoke from forest fires in Alberta and B.C. into southern Manitoba, and that the amount smoke will gradually decline over the next few days.
The statement indicates that the heat, in combination with the seasonally dry conditions, and pollution, have caused a decline in air quality for parts of Manitoba.
“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,” said the statement issued by Environment Canada.
Environment Canada is advising residents to limit their outdoor activity, and to head inside if they begin to feel any of the symptoms of smoke inhalation.
The statement follows a series of heat warnings in the past week for southern Manitoba. Temperatures are expected to reach their highest in Winnipeg on Friday and Saturday soaring into the mid-thirties to upper thirties.
Province issues extended heat advisory
Meantime, the provincial government has issued an extended heat advisory for Manitoba.
It asks people to take precautions to prevent getting sick from the heat, and to take care of those who are most vulnerable, including older adults, those with chronic illness, people taking certain medications, those who live alone, infants, young children and those who work or exercise in the heat.
The province suggests checking in on neighbours, friends and family members to “make sure they are cool and drinking water” and says it’s easier to detect trouble if you visit in person.
Symptoms to watch out for include headache, skin that’s red, hot and dry, dizziness and confusion.
More information on spotting and preventing heat illness is available online.
Environment Canada says temperatures are expected to return to normal by the end of the week.
