While the smoky conditions may have a negative effect some people's health, it's actually helping the crops in the drier areas of the prairies.

CWB Weather and Crop Specialist Bruce Burnett says the smoke is keeping the temperatures lower, while still providing plenty of solar radiation to let the crops grow.

He says that's good news for areas in desperate need of moisture.

Burnett says the heat wave out west made it a stressful week for the crops, noting many plants are now prematurely going into the reproductive stage.