Environment Canada issues heat and air quality warnings over Prairie wildfires

A wildfire in the Sherridon, Man. area is shown in a government handout photo on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Manitoba Government

Environment Canada issued heat and air-quality warnings Thursday as wildfires burn in the northern Prairies. The entirety of Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan are under a state of emergency order.

• READ MORE: Wildfires burning in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, thousands ordered to evacuate

The weather across the country continues to evolve. Here’s what to know:

• Cold weather, rain continue this week in Canada. Frost advisories in some areas
• Environment Canada issues frost alerts and heat warnings on Monday

Heat warnings

Most of Alberta is under a heat warning, spanning from Willow Creek Provincial to Colin Lake, as well as the City of Lloydminster, Sask.

According to Environment Canada, daylight temperatures could surpass 30 C, posing an elevated risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

“This afternoon a cold front will begin to move eastward across the province, bringing an end to the heat,” the warning reads.

Individuals are asked to consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day, stay hydrated and to monitor for symptoms like high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness.

Poor and special air quality warnings

Wildfire smoke from northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan are causing poor air quality and reduced visibility, both in those provinces and in parts of Ontario, Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Poor air quality has been issued for areas like Cumberland House and Seabee Mine in Saskatchewan and Lynn Lake and Shoal Lake Reserves in Manitoba. Also in Manitoba, special air quality warnings cover areas like Amisk Park Reserve down to Berens River.

In Ontario, the special air quality warnings cover areas up from Peawanuck to Dinorwic, with some fog advisories as well in areas like Pickering, Oshawa and Cobourg.

The special air quality will also affect some areas of the Northwest Territories, near Fort Liard, Sambaa K’e and Blackstone Territorial Park.

“Warm and dry conditions will continue to support wildfire activity as the weekend approaches. Relatively light winds will cause smoke to linger for a prolonged period near the source region of the fires,” the notice reads.

The poor air quality can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, with more severe symptoms like wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

Individuals are being asked to limit time outdoors and protect indoor air quality from wildfire smoke, such as keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible.

Severe thunderstorm

In some parts of southern British Columbia, there is a severe thunderstorm watch.

Conditions are favourable in developing thunderstorms that could cause strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain that can cause significant reduction in visibility and possible damage and injury.