Forest fires in British Columbia and the Foothills of Alberta are affecting air quality in Southern Manitoba, with a haze noticeable in the sky.
    
Monday, Environment Canada issued a special statement regarding air quality in the southwest corner of the province, however, that has since been lifted.

File photo of a hazy Manitoba sky - Photo taken by Golden West News Reporter Rachel Siemens
    
Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Natalie Hasell says the smoke is currently affecting pretty much all of Southern Manitoba but says we should get relief as early as later today thanks to an approaching cold front.

"Most of the smoke is a loft, so our air quality right at the surface, according to our sensors right now, is actually still quite good," said Hasell.  "However, there are a few spots where the values might be a little higher up on the air quality health index suggesting a slightly greater risk."

Hasell says the relief from the smoky haze may be short lived, as their models indicate smoke may be pushed back into Southern Manitoba later this week.  She says there is the potential the smoke may return as early as tomorrow morning, but the current concentrations in the forecast for Wednesday are really quite light."  

Hasell says, unfortunately, the forest fires burning in B.C. and Alberta will not likely ending anytime soon.  "They tend to be very persistent, and we're only at the beginning of the season, so we could be dealing with smoke, and at greater concentrations again later this week."

Meanwhile, when air quality is not ideal, Hasell encourages caution when outdoors, especially for those that are outside for long periods, or those affected by breathing issues, the elderly, and young children.  She says even if the air quality is decent, spending a lot of time in any amount of haze can be bothersome.