Winnipeg air quality at 10+ level, indicating ‘very high risk’

Terri Gale has your Tuesday morning look at the weather.

Manitobans are being urged to take precautions as smoky conditions impact much of the province.

As of Tuesday morning, several Manitoba communities are under air quality warnings, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk and Steinbach.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. It adds that smoke can fluctuate over short distances and vary from hour to hour.

The weather agency warns that smoky conditions put everyone’s health at risk, but especially those over the age of 65, pregnant people, infants and young kids, people with existing illnesses and those who work outside.

Symptoms from the smoke include headaches, coughing, or nose, eye and throat irritation. More serious symptoms are wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

To reduce the risk, ECCC recommends limiting time outside, keeping windows and doors closed, and using a high-quality air filter in your ventilation system. For those who must spend time outdoors, the weather agency suggests wearing a well-fitting respirator-type mask.

The warning comes as ECCC reports that Winnipeg, Brandon and Flin Flon are all at a 10+ on the air quality health index, which means they are at “very high risk.”