Forecasters predict Prairie wildfire smoke could cause hazy skies across Canada
Posted August 3, 2025 12:46 pm.
Last Updated August 3, 2025 4:26 pm.
Winnipeggers got a slight reprieve from high-risk air quality on Sunday. According to Environment Canada, the air quality had a 5 out of 10 risk index throughout the day, considered a moderate risk.
This is a significant improvement compared to the previous week, when amid wildfires, the risk index was above 10, indicating very high risk.
Environment Canada expects air quality in Winnipeg to stay at a 5 heading into Monday before dropping to 4 on Monday evening.
Still, the government recommends that seniors, young children, pregnant people, and people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities.
For the general population, there is currently no need to modify usual outdoor activities unless you’re experiencing symptoms.
Meanwhile, across Canada, wildfire smoke from the Prairies was forecast to fill the skies from Vancouver Island to Charlottetown with gritty, hazy dust.
Environment Canada says the smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility that can fluctuate and vary hour by hour.
The statements and warnings stretch from western British Columbia into eastern Prince Edward Island.
Southern parts of the Northwest Territories, as well as much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, also are affected.
It comes as more than 700 wildfires burn across Canada, including one on the north banks of Cameron Lake in B.C., about 60 kilometres from the city of Nanaimo, that forced hundreds to flee.
The weather agency says poor air quality can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, while more serious but less common symptoms include chest pains and a severe cough.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2025.
