Air quality warnings issued in New Brunswick as wildfire smoke drifts in from Quebec

A sunny, hot Friday with a high UV index for much of the region. Lataevia Beezer shares your Maritime weather forecast.

Environment Canada has issued air quality warnings for Northwestern New Brunswick as smoke from wildfires in Quebec causes poor air quality and reduced visibility.

The alert was issued Friday morning, expected to be in place until Saturday afternoon.

Air quality in Edmunston, N.B., is calculated at a level four or “moderate risk,” or level nine with a high risk in smoke.

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

According to Quebec’s wildfire management organization, 13 total wildfires are active as of Friday morning.

Miramichi, Cambellton and Bathurst are also seeing moderate risk in air quality.

Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton and Saint Andrews’ air quality health indexes are level three or “low risk.”

Environment Canada says residents may experience eye, nose, and throat irritation, even headaches or a mild cough.

Those with heart and lung conditions like asthma are most affected by air pollution and poor air quality.

“Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke,” reads the advisory.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.