Wildfire smoke could impact Halifax air quality again Wednesday

The Halifax area could be hazy and smoky once again on Wednesday morning as light winds bring in smoke from the Long Lake wildfire complex in Annapolis County.

Halifax County is under a special air quality statement, warning of a reduction in air quality.

As well, smoke is again making its way into Lunenburg County on Wednesday morning, according to Environment Canada.

“This morning the wind direction is light and westerly so that could allow for the smoke and poor air quality to return to Lunenburg County and as well Halifax and Metro,” said 95.7 NewsRadio weather specialist Allister Aalders.

On Tuesday, the smell of smoke was strong in the Halifax-area around mid-morning, before a wind shift moved the smoke back out of the area.

“I do expect as we go throughout the day we’ll likely see smoke drifting back into parts of Kings and Hants counties because we’ll have more of a southwest wind for parts of the region,” explained Aalders.

The statement says wildfire smoke can be impactful, particularly on people at higher risk like the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” the government agency’s statement reads.

People should watch for eye, nose and throat irritation along with headaches or a mild cough where the smoke is thickest.

Communities closer to the Long Lake wildfire, the province’s largest blaze this season, are under an air quality warning. Environment Canada notes that air quality varies due to smoke, with it topping high risk near the fires.