Environment Canada has continued the Special Air Quality Statement first issued Tuesday for much of the province. Also, the weather agency has issued a Special Weather Statement for almost the entire province due to very strong wind gusts expected Wednesday afternoon.

Strong northwesterly winds will develop in the wake of a low pressure system moving through southern Manitoba Wednesday morning. Gusts to 80 km/h, or more, will be possible for southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba beginning this morning, expanding into the Red River Valley this afternoon. Wind warnings may be needed for portions of the statement area should forecast winds intensify further. The winds will rapidly diminish this evening as the low departs into Ontario.

Meanwhile, wildfire smoke from forest fires in the northern Prairies and Northwest Territories remains across much of the area. Many regions in southern Manitoba will see varying amounts of smoke through Wednesday while the smoke remains generally widespread in the north. Poor conditions will become more widespread again on Wednesday night.

Improvement is expected in northern Manitoba beginning early Thursday, but areas in the south will likely have to wait until Thursday evening.

Wildfire smoke concentrations can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour.

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