Thick forest fire smoke keeps Manitoba shrouded

With thick smoke wildfire continuing to blanket the sky in Manitoba, health officials are urging people to monitor their health and spend less time outdoors if they are sensitive to smoke.

Once again, as it has for most of the week, Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for a vast part of the province on Friday.

"West to northwesterly winds continue to bring thicker smoke from the ongoing fires in northern Saskatchewan into Manitoba. Areas closest to the Saskatchewan border will be the most affected by reduced visibilities and poor air quality values," the statement reads.

"In northern Manitoba, conditions have improved over north central regions but are expected to deteriorate once again with smoke returning Friday evening. In southern Manitoba, smoky conditions are expected to continue today before winds across Manitoba begin to turn southerly on Saturday."

Dr. Susan Roberecki, medical lead for environmental health with Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors, says the amount of smoke varies across the province.

"It varies with wind conditions, so it's very hard to predict how it's going to be at all times," she told CBC News.

"People should judge themselves by their symptoms and by the visibility. If you can't see very far … they might reduce their time outside and not to do strenuous activities."

Roberecki said people in Winnipeg and Brandon can check the air quality health index online to help decide whether to go outside.

• Air Quality Health Index: Winnipeg and Brandon conditions
• Environment Canada: Are you at risk?

On Friday afternoon, the air quality health index in both cities was 4, which is in the moderate risk range.

Moderate risk means most people don't have to change their outdoor activities unless they experience symptoms such as coughing and irritated throats, while those at higher risk of being affected by air pollution may want to reschedule strenuous activities outdoors if they have those symptoms.

Those at higher risk include people with heart and lung conditions, children, the elderly and those who participate in sports or strenuous work outdoors.

The air quality health index is expected to remain in the moderate range again on Saturday, with forecasted index of 4 in Winnipeg and 6 in Brandon.

Winnipeg forecast: Friday

• Mainly cloudy and widespread smoke.
• High 28 C.
• UV index 6 (high).
• Tonight, a few clouds, low 17 C.