Air quality warnings have been issued for a large swath of Manitoba, though rain could bring some much-needed relief. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) upgraded a number of air quality statements to warnings Monday morning in a large portion of southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, Steinbach, and Lac du Bonnet. These areas join much of northern Manitoba, which have been under air quality warnings for days due to wildfires burning in the region and in northern Saskatchewan. However, the weather agency notes smoke will improve with rain forecast through southern Manitoba on Monday, while northern communities under wildfire threat will likely have to wait until the weekend for precipitation. More than 17,000 people have been evacuated by wildfires in Manitoba, including 5,000 from Flin Flon. ECCC reminded the public to limit time outdoors, as health risks increase alongside smoke levels. Meanwhile, wildfire smoke has also billowed south of the border to parts of the U.S. Midwest and Great Plains, triggering a statewide air quality alert in Minnesota and warnings from the North Dakota government to limit time outside. - With files from the Canadian Press
