Not something we see often in Saskatchewan, but Environment Canada issued an air quality statement for parts of the province – including Regina and Saskatoon - due to elevated levels of pollution.

Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment Canada, John Paul Cragg, explains what's causing this:

"There's been a stagnant air mass over the province the last couple days and you're seeing a build up of pollutants from power plants and motor vehicle emissions building up in the two major cities. So in areas like Moose Jaw, the air quality is not great outside but its not as bad as it is in Regina and Saskatoon.

"There are more emissions because of power plant emissions from fossil fuel burning, and from cars. During the winter months when you get stagnant air masses pollutants can build up, but it's not often that we put out an air quality message through the winter months. We're looking at these pollutants starting to blow out of the urban areas starting Tuesday."

Cragg goes on to tell us who might be most affected by this air advisory:

"It's something you'd notice especially if you were doing any strenuous activities outside, and especially noticeable for children, the elderly, or anyone with respiratory illness. But for individuals who are healthy it shouldn't be a major problem, unless you're doing strenuous activities outside."

The air quality statement is expected to be lifted by Tuesday.