Wildfire Smoke Blankets Winnipeg: Air Quality Alert in Effect
Winnipeg — A blanket of wildfire smoke continues to impact southern Manitoba, including the City of Winnipeg, this Sunday morning. Health Canada and Environment Canada have issued a Special Air Quality Statement due to widespread smoke, which is reducing visibility and lowering air quality across the region.
🌫️ Air Quality Alert: Health & Safety First
Who’s at Risk?
People most vulnerable include:
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Older adults (65+)
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Pregnant individuals
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Infants and young children
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People with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions
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Outdoor workers
Health Symptoms to Watch For:
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Mild: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; dry cough
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Serious: Wheezing, chest pains, shortness of breath, or severe coughing
What You Can Do:
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Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
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Use air purifiers or HVAC filters
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Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
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Wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator if going outside
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Check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours
🌤️ Current Conditions (as of 5:00 AM CDT – Winnipeg Richardson Int’l Airport)
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Temperature: 11.8°C
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Condition: Mostly Cloudy
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Humidity: 85%
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Dew Point: 9.4°C
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Pressure: 101.7 kPa (falling)
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Wind: NE 3 km/h
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Visibility: 13 km
📅 Forecast for Sunday, July 20
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Sky: Widespread smoke throughout the day
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Wind: Becoming southeast 20 km/h this afternoon
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High: 24°C
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Humidex: 25
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UV Index: 7 or high
🌙 Tonight:
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Conditions: Mainly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers before morning
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Risk: Thunderstorms possible overnight
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Smoke: Widespread
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Wind: SE 20 km/h, becoming light
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Low: 18°C
📅 Three-Day Outlook
Monday, July 21
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Conditions: Cloudy
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Morning: 30% chance of showers
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Afternoon: 60% chance of showers, risk of thunderstorms
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Smoke: Local smoke lingers
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High: 23°C (Humidex 27)
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UV Index: 6 or high
🌙 Night: Cloudy periods, low 17°C
Tuesday, July 22
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Conditions: Showers throughout the day
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High: 24°C
🌙 Night: Continued showers, low 17°C
👚 Wardrobe & Health Recommendations
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Wear lightweight, breathable clothes due to humidex and potential heat
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Avoid exercising outdoors
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Carry a respirator-style mask if you must be outside
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Use sunglasses and sunscreen due to UV exposure through smoky haze
🧠 Weather Trivia
Did You Know?
Winnipeg is often impacted by smoke from fires in both northern Ontario and the Prairies, due to its central location and prevailing wind patterns. On days with stagnant air masses and minimal wind, smoke can linger for long periods, worsening air quality rapidly.
