With the wildfire situation intensifying once more across western Canada, firefighters are unlikely to receive any assistance from Mother Nature at the beginning of the week.
Anticipating daytime temperatures to rise to nearly 30 C on Monday — approximately 10 C above the usual levels for this period — Environment and Climate Change Canada cautions of “another day of explosive fire activity.” The agency predicts increased smoke spreading across the northern Prairies, likely leading to the extension of special air quality alerts.
Heat warnings have been issued by the national weather agency for a significant area in northeastern Alberta, where temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 20s on Monday. The forecast indicates sunny conditions until at least Thursday, when showers or rain may offer temporary relief to firefighters.
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Environment Canada also alerts about the potential for severe thunderstorms in most of southern and central Alberta, spanning from High River in the south to Chipewyan Lake in the north on Monday afternoon and evening.
The advisory mentions the chance of nickel-sized hail as a cold front progresses eastward across the province, spawning thunderstorms with wind gusts of up to 100 km/hr.
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Temperatures in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are also anticipated to be up to 10 degrees higher than normal, prompting warnings about severe weather conditions for residents in other Prairies regions.
Environment Canada cautions that wildfires in both provinces are generating “significant smoke amounts,” causing poor air quality in northeastern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and southern parts of Nunavut.
In southeastern Manitoba, the Nopiming Provincial Park wildfire has led to air quality advisories in the Winnipeg area.
“Light winds are hindering smoke dispersion, particularly during the night,” alerts the weather agency, also forecasting the smoke to shift into the Red River Valley, including Winnipeg, over the next few days before turning northward.
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By Monday afternoon, Winnipeg’s air quality risk was rated as moderate.
A special air quality statement advises individuals in areas impacted by wildfire smoke to minimize outdoor exposure and consider rescheduling outdoor plans.
Groups most susceptible to poor air quality include individuals over 65, infants, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with preexisting illnesses or chronic health conditions.
Showers or rainy periods are expected in some Prairie regions on Thursday or Friday, with temperatures set to return to near seasonal levels.
Nevertheless, sunny weather and warm temperatures are predicted to make a comeback over the weekend across much of the Prairies, with temperatures projected to reach the mid-30s in Winnipeg on Saturday.
