Residents of Regina are being urged by Environment Canada (EC) to curtail their outdoor activities as an extensive plume of wildfire smoke encroaches upon the locality. The city’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) stood at a perilous ten, marking it as a “high risk,” as recorded by 5 p.m. on the past Saturday.
The far-reaching impact of the smoke haze is not just confined to Regina but is also grievously affecting large parts of central and southern Saskatchewan. As per EC’s alert, this has resulted in escalated AQHI levels as well as hindered visibility in many neighborhoods within these regions.
Amid these difficult conditions, EC offers some salient advice for the city’s inhabitants to mitigate their discomfort. Hydrating frequently with water is especially recommended, given the mild irritation and discomfort likely to be experienced under such conditions. Still, certain demographic sections carry around a more pronounced risk profile, warning those with lung conditions, the elderly, children, expectant individuals, and those whose occupations demand outdoor presence, to exercise higher caution to evade any detrimental health implications.
Wearing respirator masks is also deemed a protective measure for those who find it inevitable to venture outdoors.
As per EC prognosis, the AQHI is anticipated to dip to seven during Saturday night. Although it still stays within the ‘high risk’ bracket, a further reduction to six, representing a ‘moderate risk’ is expected by Sunday. This slightly improved outlook, however, still requires alertness and adherence to EC’s guidelines to safeguard public health during these challenging times.
