Warm Weather Brings Smoke And Health Risks To South Dakota

After enduring less-than-stellar weather over the past several days, we are finally seeing a return to temperatures consistent with this time of the year.

And while that's a welcome relief for most of us, the drier, warmer weather does help usher in something we're not so fond of around these parts - smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Big change coming

Things are going to get bad enough this weekend that the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has issued an air quality alert for areas of South Dakota where smoke from wildfires in Canada is forecasted to settle.

The alert will be in effect starting Saturday (May 31) and will continue through Sunday (June 1), or until conditions improve.

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Tracking the smoke

The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore has shared the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's projected path of the smoke.

According to authorities, the smoke may cause low visibility and increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution.

Who is at risk?

The Elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems are the most susceptible to the smoke. Everyone should avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during periods of low visibility caused by the wildfire smoke. People are also encouraged to keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.

Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. Anyone concerned about health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider.

You can track the real-time path of the smoke by visiting DANR’s website.

READ MORE: The Words We Just Can't Seem To Spell Right

What we know about the fires

Some 17,000 residents in Manitoba remain under evacuation orders as wildfires have spread in the province and also into Saskatchewan.

A state of emergency is in effect in Manitoba, and more than 80 fires have been deemed "out of control" in Canada. The entire town of Flin Flon (population 5,000) was ordered to evacuate.

As the fires grew, some residents in Saskatchewan were ordered to evacuate their homes.