Air quality warnings issued throughout Manitoba as wildfire smoke envelops province

3 days ago

WINNIPEG — Air quality warnings are in effect for much of Manitoba this weekend as wildfire smoke continues to linger over the region.
Environment Canada says much of the province will be dealing with poor conditions, with Winnipeg expected to see an air quality health index rating of over 10 by Saturday night.
The agency says the very high risk conditions in Winnipeg, as well as Flin Flon in northwestern Manitoba, are expected to last throughout the weekend.
The warnings come as Manitoba is currently dealing with 121 wildfires, 13 of which are classified as out of control.
Wildfire smoke is also affecting central and northern Saskatchewan, with Environment Canada saying Buffalo Narrows, Sask., will see the air quality health index remain at the "very high risk" rating of over 10 throughout Saturday and into Sunday.
The city of Prince Albert, Sask., will also continue to be affected by the smoky air, where Environment Canada says the index is also expected to be over 10 throughout Saturday before dropping into high risk category by Saturday night.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2025.
The Canadian Press

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Northern Lights On Tuesday: 14 U.S. States On Aurora Alert

Forbes

23 minutes ago

Forbes

Northern Lights On Tuesday: 14 U.S. States On Aurora Alert

Aurora borealis, also known as Northern Lights, illuminates the night sky above the Kellostapuli ... More Fell in Kolari, Finnish Lapland, early on January 15, 2022. (Photo by IRENE STACHON/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images) The Northern Lights may be visible in northern U.S. state and central Canada on Tuesday night, according to a forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center. Sky-watchers in 14 U.S. states may have a chance to see the aurora borealis on the northern horizon as soon as it gets dark, though astronomical twilight often persists much of the night above about 50 degrees north latitude in July. Latest Northern Lights Forecast The agency's three-day forecast indicates a minor geomagnetic storm, measured at a value of G1 on a scale of G1 to G5. According to NOAA's forecast, the Kp index — which provides a rough guide to the intensity of auroral displays — may reach 5. In a discussion post, NOAA officials stated that a G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm is most likely on July 23 UTC, which translates to late on July 22 for North America. The 'unsettled to active' geomagnetic conditions — minor disturbances in Earth's magnetic field — could continue through Thursday, according to NOAA. NOAA's aurora viewline for July 22, 2025. Where The Northern Lights May Be Visible NOAA's latest aurora viewlines indicate that aurora displays are a possibility in northern U.S. states and Canada, with 14 U.S. states having a chance after dark on Tuesday, July 22. U.S. states that may see aurora include (northerly parts of) Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Areas far from light pollution are likely to offer the best views. However, high-latitude locations — such as Alaska, northern Canada Scandinavia and Iceland — will have a better chance. Check NOAA's 30-minute forecast or use the Glendale App for the latest forecasts. Why The Northern Lights Are Being Seen In The U.S. The imminent potential display of aurora is due to a high-speed stream of solar wind coming from a coronal hole — a gap in the sun's outer atmosphere, its corona, where solar wind escapes more freely into space. It's also of 'negative polarity,' which means its magnetic field is orientated in such a way that interactions with Earth's magnetic field are enhanced, if aligned just right. More generally, the possibility of displays of the aurora borealis at more southerly latitudes than is typically down to an increase in solar activity, which is currently at a 23-year high due to the ongoing solar maximum period. The sun is now thought to be on the wane, having peaked in late 2024, but solar maximum periods often have double peaks. Besides, the best aurora displays often occur in the few years after solar maximum. If the current solar cycle does have a long tail, good aurora sightings in the U.S. could result for a few years. What Causes The Northern Lights The Northern Lights are caused by the solar wind, a stream of charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field. Although the magnetic field deflects much of it, some charged particles accelerate along the magnetic field lines toward the polar regions, where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, exciting them and causing them to release energy as light. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

Ingredients in play for northwestern Ontario severe storms on Tuesday

Yahoo

8 hours ago

Yahoo

Ingredients in play for northwestern Ontario severe storms on Tuesday

![Northwestern Ontario storm risk map Tuesday]( With Ontario getting a break from the heat to start the week, but will return soon, northwestern sections of the province will be getting into the severe weather risk on Tuesday. In fact, multiple days of thunderstorms are expected in northern Ontario as a boundary stalls over the region. Tuesday could bring multiple rounds of thunderstorms into the region, with a severe chance for some areas. Folks can expect strong winds, heavy downpours and hail with any severe storm that forms. DON'T MISS: Make sure you keep an eye on the radar––especially if you have outdoor plans––and stay aware of any severe weather watches or warnings issued in your area. Tuesday and Wednesday: Multiple storm opportunities An active weather boundary will move into northern Ontario on Tuesday, and stall over the coming days--bringing several opportunities for severe weather. SEE ALSO: From Tuesday morning to the lunch hour, forecasters will be watching a complex of storms stateside that could clip the Ontario-U.S. border. Strong winds and heavy downpours are the main threats with those storms. As the day progresses, later in the afternoon on Tuesday, storms could pop up from Dryden to Fort Hope, possibly becoming marginally severe with two-centimetre hail possible. If you are in the region, please stay on top of severe weather alerts and know what to do and where to go in the event severe weather approaches. On Wednesday, forecasters will then turn their attention to the potential for another cluster of storms to develop along the Lake Superior shores. Stretching from Marathon to Sault Ste. Marie, the risk will fall from the morning to early afternoon, then moving east of Sault Ste. Marie by the afternoon and evening time. There is some uncertainty on how much thunderstorm energy will develop and the severe potential at this time. But heavy rainfall and frequent lightning will be the main threats. There is still much uncertainty in the forecast Tuesday due to capping in the atmosphere and wildfire smoke, which could reduce the severe risk There is model uncertainty and trouble handling the location and movement of the thunderstorms stateside. Beyond, much cooler weather is expected late next week and well into the first week of August, especially in eastern areas. WATCH: In a tornado warning? Here's what you should do Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across northwestern Ontario.

Heat warning up for B.C.‘s north coast, persisting until Tuesday

Hamilton Spectator

16 hours ago

Hamilton Spectator

Heat warning up for B.C.‘s north coast, persisting until Tuesday

VICTORIA - Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the inland regions of British Columbia's north coast, saying there is a moderate risk to public health. It says daytime temperatures are expected to be near 30 degrees Celsius with overnight lows in the mid-teens. The weather office says the elevated temperatures are expected to persist until Tuesday night, returning to seasonal values on Wednesday. It says health risks are higher for seniors, people who live alone and those with pre-existing conditions including diabetes, heart disease and respiratory diseases. Environment Canada is encouraging family and friends to check on those who are at higher risk, noting people with mental illness, substance-use disorders and those with limited mobility may also be more vulnerable. It suggests people watch for the impacts of heat illness, including heavy sweating, rashes, cramps or fainting, and that they take steps to keep their house cool. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .