The smoke from wildfires is continuing to impact Saskatchewan.  Monday afternoon, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a “Special Air Quality Statement” for Regina.

The statement says the smoke is causing elevated AQHI (Air Quality Health Index) values for the next 24 hours.  Its forecast to be at “level 7” which represents a high risk to health.

“People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke” according to the special statement. People are advised to scale back physical activity.

Smoke can effect people differently.  Environment and Climate Change Canada says drinking more water can help people deal with the extra smoke in the air. For most people it means mild discomfort or irritation which usually clears up when the smoke clears out.

The weather forecast calls for these levels to reduce somewhat overnight, slowly dropping the AQHI values to a lower risk level by tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon thanks to an incoming cold front.

Most of Saskatchewan is under an air quality advisory of special statement.  The eastern edge of the province is not covered by these advisories.