Sask. sees wildfire smoke, hot temperatures across the province

It's a hot, smoky day for most of the province, thanks to a low pressure system moving through on Monday.

Special air quality statements from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) were issued for many areas across the province, including Kindersley, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon.

"There is a lot of smoke that is being generated by the forest fires in southern Northwest Territories, northeastern B.C., northern Alberta area," said Jennifer Smith, ECCC meteorologist.

"Just looking ahead at how that is going to be moving forward in time, it's definitely going to be lingering around Saskatchewan for the nextcouple of days."

As of 9a.m. CST in Regina, air quality was reported to be high risk.

In that same time frame, Saskatoon's air quality was rated as moderate risk, but is expected to be high risk later in the day.

ECCC says the fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main risk to people's health, and it's more likely to affect elderly, infants, people who work outdoors and people with illness or chronic health conditions.

• Track wildfire smoke, active fires and air quality across Canada

The agency is warning those who are more likely to be affected by the air quality to stay indoors or limit the amount of strenuous activities and time outdoors.

Keeping windows closed and using air purifiers are recommended for indoors, and N95 mask use for outdoors.

Mild symptoms includeirritation to the eyes, throat and nose, but more serious symptoms can include feeling chest pains or severe coughing. In an emergency, ECCC says to seek medical attention.

The smoke is expected to disperse later in the evening.

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Vulnerable people at further risk

Toby Esterby, the chief operations officer with the Saskatoon Community Clinic, said staying cool and hydrated looks very different for different parts of the city.

"We need to be thinking about vulnerable populations that might not have similar access to some of the things that can help us cool down," he said.

Esterby said they are stocking up on drinking water bottles to give out and have a misting tent set up in front of their building for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerabilities as their priority. They also have a water fountain so that people can continually refill water bottles.

"We handed out about 25-35,000 water bottles last year from the clinic. We're continuing that this year. So, folks can come to our door for water for free," he said.

"We're making sure that folks can feel welcome in the shade of the building. Right now, that's on the back of the building. So, it's a very busy place at the back of the building."

Like last summer, Esterby cautions the combination of the heat and smoke canbe aggravating, especially for people with respiratory ailments.

On average, Esterby said they are seeing a footfall of up to 250 people a day at their site. He said another 100 people are seen daily coming in for water.

"Check in on your neighbours, especially elders and seniors in the community."

A spokesperson fromSaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival said in an email statement that at theirmain festival site at Victoria Park, theyhave installed refillable water stations, misting tentsand shade tents.

"All artist trailers are air conditioned, and cooling fans are provided onstage for artists as well. Additionally, we have a team onsite from St. John Ambulance," the statement read.

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Environment and Climate Change Canada says daytime highs are forecast to be about 30 C to 35 C this week, with the potential for some temperature records to be broken during the coming days.

Temperatures expected to reach highs around 30 C

ECCC says this is Western Canada's first heat wave of the year.

Heat warnings arein place in many areas, including Lloydminster, Prince Albert, the Battlefords, Meadow Lake and Buffalo Narrows.

For the areas under heat warnings, temperatures are expected to reach highs around 30 C and lows around 16 C for the next three to fivedays.

ECCC says temperatures are increasing on Monday, but extreme heat is expected from Tuesday to Thursday, and then temperatures will fall going into the weekend.

Maximum temperatureson Thursday are expected to get close to 36 C in places like Moose Jaw or Regina closer to 34 C.

"To get a sense of whether records will be broken, yeah, there's potential for some to be broken especially right further south, right along the the Canada-U.S. border," saidSmith.

Environment Canada is recommending people take precautions in the heat, watch for signs of illness and keep cool.

For advice on health risks or precautions because of the hot weather, people can call Healthline 811.