Here's why air quality in Regina spiked to 'very high risk' in the middle of winter
Those watching Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Regina might’ve been a bit puzzled when the city reported a value of 10+ or “Very High Risk” early Sunday morning.
Elevated air quality readings were reported in Regina beginning on March 2 – when an AQHI reading of four or moderate risk was noted, according to the weather service’s records.
The readings continued to rise until they reached 10+ from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday. The readings even necessitated a special air quality statement.
While Regina saw its fair share of "high risk" air quality during last year’s wildfire season – the readings remain odd while the province is gripped in winter storm conditions.
According to Environment Canada and Climate Change (ECCC) meteorologist Justin Shaer – the standout readings had a very simple explanation.
“There was an increased level of NO2 that was reported at one sensor that was causing the spike in air quality. So that was related to the refinery I believe,” he said in a message to CTV News.
A combination of wind and pure luck caused a large portion of emissions from the Co-op Refinery Complex in northeast Regina to be blown directly at the ECCC sensor for several hours. The sustained readings were aided by storm conditions, according to Shaer.
“It was blowing right into the sensor which created the elevated readings and with the nice thermal inversion we’ve had in place earlier today – it really concentrated the values down,” he explained.
Air Quality Health Index values were recorded to be 10+ for a period of several hours on Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Source: ECCC)
ECCC air quality records show AQHI values consistently fell through the afternoon as weather pattens shifted – eventually arriving at the seasonal average by 6 p.m.
“Now we’ve switched to a westerly wind and it all kind of flushed out and the air quality is back to what we usually see for Regina during the winter – which is around a two or a three,” Shaer added.
Nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are both common air pollutants. According to the ECCC, NO is formed primarily from the liberation of nitrogen contained in fuel and nitrogen contained in combustion air during combustion processes.
NO released during combustion quickly oxidizes when it reaches the atmosphere and becomes NO2.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump vows to renegotiate USMCA free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico
Donald Trump has vowed to renegotiate the USMCA free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.
Poilievre, Guilbeault claim victory after federal budget watchdog's updated carbon tax report
Both the Liberals and Conservatives are claiming a win after the parliamentary budget officer released an updated report on the economic impacts of the federal carbon tax on Canadian households.
REVIEW 'The Apprentice' review: An entertaining character study that comes with the good, the bad and the ugly
CTV film critic Richard Crouse says 'The Apprentice' is several things: It's the making of MAGA. It's a story of unchecked ambition. It’s a cautionary tale.
Look up: Northern lights could be visible across Canada on Thursday night
The northern lights could be visible across most of Canada on Thursday night.
1 person is dead and 12 are trapped in a former Colorado gold mine
One person was killed and officials were working to rescue 12 others trapped deep beneath the surface of a former Colorado gold mine after an elevator malfunctioned at the tourist site, authorities said Thursday.
'This is money, this is my life': Victim of violent robbery north of Toronto says he had around $110K stolen
The victim of a violent robbery in Thornhill says he had $100,000 to $110,000 stolen from him after being boxed in his car.
Winnipeg School Division apologizes over message displayed during professional development day
The superintendent of the Winnipeg School Division (WSD) has apologized over a message displayed during a professional development day on Wednesday.
Another Canadian reportedly dead in Lebanon amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict
Global Affairs Canada says it's aware of reports of the death of a Canadian in Lebanon.
340 rescued following Hurricane Milton's widespread destruction
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. Hundreds of residents have been rescued so far.