Special Air Quality Statement in Effect – Heat and Smoke Combine for a Risky Sunday Outdoors
Winnipeg, MB – A Special Air Quality Statement remains in effect for the City of Winnipeg as smoke from wildfires in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan continues to drift south, blanketing the region in haze and reducing air quality. This smoky shroud arrives just as the mercury climbs, with a hot and hazy Sunday forecast and a humidex nearing the low 30s.
Sunday: Smoke, Heat, and Health Risks
As of 5:00 AM CDT, Winnipeg is waking up to cloudy skies and a mild 14.8°C at Richardson International Airport. Winds are light from the south at 13 km/h, with visibility down to 15 km due to widespread wildfire smoke. The humidity sits at 68%, and pressure is at 100.8 kPa and falling — setting the stage for a sweltering day ahead.
Widespread smoke will persist throughout Sunday, with wind picking up from the southwest at 30 km/h near noon. Temperatures are forecast to soar to 30°C, with a humidex of 32 and a UV index of 9, rated very high. It’s a day best spent indoors — especially for those sensitive to poor air quality.
Air Quality Health Advisory: What You Need to Know
The wildfire smoke can vary hour to hour and block to block, making conditions unpredictable. Environment Canada warns that vulnerable groups — including young children, seniors, pregnant individuals, those with chronic health issues, and outdoor workers — should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
Common symptoms may include:
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Eye, nose, and throat irritation
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Headaches or mild cough
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In more severe cases: wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you’re part of an at-risk group, you should reduce exposure and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Protect your indoor air by keeping windows and doors closed. If you have an HVAC system, use a high-quality air filter. Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can also reduce fine particle exposure indoors.
If you must go outside, a well-fitted NIOSH-certified N95 mask can help filter fine particles — though it’s not a guarantee against all health risks.
Check in on neighbours and those in your care — especially anyone living alone or with limited mobility.
Tonight and Victoria Day Monday: Air Quality Issues Continue
Tonight, smoke will continue to linger as increasing cloudiness sets in. Winds will shift from the southwest to northwest overnight, and the low will settle around 15°C.
On Monday, June 2, the forecast calls for mainly cloudy skies with a 60% chance of showers, and smoke is still expected to be in the area. Winds will continue from the northwest at 30 km/h before easing by midday. The high will only reach 17°C, but the air quality remains a concern.
Monday night brings some relief with clearing skies and a low of 13°C.
Tuesday and Beyond: Sunshine Returns
By Tuesday, the smoke should begin to clear out, replaced by sunny skies and a more comfortable high of 22°C. Tuesday night will be clear with a refreshing low of 9°C — a sign that more seasonal, breathable air is on the way.
Weather Trivia: Did You Know?
Winnipeg’s worst air quality on record was in August 2021, when wildfire smoke dropped the Air Quality Health Index to a dangerous 10+ for several days. Today’s smoke isn’t quite that severe, but it’s a stark reminder of how interconnected regional weather and wildfire patterns can be.
