Smoke coming from British Columbia continues to cover the prairies. The air affected by hundreds of wildfires could last a couple weeks.
Meteorologist Bryan Proctor says the smoke should improve Saturday evening due to cold weather but could return as temperatures get hotter next week.
“With the way B.C is at this point in time their prime to burn for a little while longer. Often times the wildfire situation isn’t alleviated until the cooler September timeframe. It’s probable we will see smoke off and on for the next 4 to 5 weeks.”
Proctor says Lloydminster has no instrumentation equipment to detect the exact Air Quality Index. The quality readings for Lloydminster is based on a scale of the smoke particles in surrounding areas of the province. Proctor believes that based on the scale and direction the smoke is heading Lloydminster sits at a 4 to 5 on the index as of 2 p.m Thursday.
“The Air Quality Health Index is really a tool for people to self-calibrate to. Often times you will find certain people are much more sensitive at lower values then others are.”
Saskatchewan Health Authority has issued an air quality advisory, warning residents about potential health concerns due to the smoky air. Even though Lloydminster is at a low-risk people with respiratory issues could be affected. They say the best way for residents to protect themselves is by staying indoors whenever possible. If symptoms are noted by individuals they are asked to go to a clinic if necessary. People can keep an eye on the air quality index by going to Environment Canada’s website
“When we look at what our guidance is now for the next 48 hours we shouldn’t see those sort of things,” says Proctor about the chance of Lloydminster being in a high-risk situation. “At this point, it looks like the higher concentrations are going to go north of the Lloyd area.”
