Northwest wind is bringing wildfire smoke from northern Alberta into the southwest, causing poor air quality and reducing visibility in some areas. 

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, wildfire smoke concentrations can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour. As of 5 a.m. this morning, the Air Quality Health Index 9AQHI) was recorded at a 5, or moderate risk, for Swift Current.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentration. 

People with lung disease or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

The air quality is expected to gradually improve for the southwest on Saturday as strong winds push the smoke out of the area.