A special air quality statement has been issued for Waterloo region and the surrounding area. And while it could improve, Environment Canada says to expect another round of bad air this weekend.

The smoke is expected to remain over the northern and central Plains of the United States for the next couple of days, according to meteorologists.

Canadian wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have prompted air quality alerts in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday and Thursday as residents are advised to "limit prolonged or heavy exertion.