First Heat Warning of the Season Brings Sizzling Sunshine and Sticky Nights

DRYDEN – WEATHER REPORT – Get ready to break out the sunscreen and the fans because Dryden and Vermilion Bay are in for a serious May scorcher. Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for the region, with temperatures soaring into the low 30s and nightly lows barely offering a break from the heat. This first major heat event of the season kicks off today and is expected to stick around through at least Tuesday evening—and possibly into Wednesday.

Turning Up the Heat: Today Through Thursday Forecast

As of 5:00 AM CDT at Dryden Airport, conditions are cloudy and a bit deceptive at a cool 8.6°C, but don’t be fooled—the heat is just on the horizon. The humidity is sitting at 43%, with winds from the south gusting up to 46 km/h, giving an early warning that things are about to intensify. Barometric pressure is currently 101.4 kPa and holding steady—for now.

Today’s forecast calls for early morning showers wrapping up, followed by a mix of sun and cloud. There’s a 40 percent chance of showers lingering, along with a risk of a morning thunderstorm. Southwest winds at 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h will keep the air moving, but not necessarily cooling. Temperatures will climb to a hot 28°C, and with a UV index of 7, it’s a good day to find your wide-brimmed hat and that long-lost bottle of SPF 50.

Tonight brings partly cloudy skies and a 40 percent chance of showers this evening, with a risk of thunderstorms before skies clear overnight. Winds will briefly swing to the northeast at 20 km/h with gusts to 40 before calming down late. The temperature will bottom out at a warm 18°C, providing little nighttime relief.

Monday heats up further with sunny skies shifting to a mix of sun and cloud by midday. South winds crank up again, reaching 30 km/h and gusting to 60. High: a blazing 29°C. Monday night remains clear and warm with a low of 18°C.

Tuesday turns up the dial to full summer mode with brilliant sunshine and a high of 31°C. Expect another clear night with a low of 15°C.

By Wednesday, the pattern begins to shift with increasing cloudiness and a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs dip slightly to 28°C. The chance of rain rises to 60 percent overnight with a low of 13°C.

Thursday will finally offer a bit of a cool-down as widespread showers move in and bring the high down to 23°C. Expect more rain into Thursday night, with temperatures dropping to 8°C.

What to Wear When the Heat is Relentless

If you’re stepping outside, think desert safari meets cottage weekend: lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes are the name of the game. Keep a reusable water bottle handy and avoid strenuous activity during the afternoon peak. Whether you’re gardening, walking the dog, or just going for groceries—do it early, do it light, and do it hydrated.

And please—if it’s hot, leave the car windows open or, better yet, leave the car off entirely if it means kids or pets are inside. No exceptions.

Historic Highs and Lows for May 11

Today’s record high in Dryden is a sizzling 30.2°C, with a record low of -4.6°C. With forecast highs nearing the 30 mark again, we’re flirting with those historic temps—minus the frostbite.

Did You Know?

Dryden is home to the smallest city in Ontario by population, but when it comes to weather, it plays in the big leagues. Heat waves like this can cause local water bodies to warm faster than usual, creating ideal (if slightly sweaty) conditions for early-season boating—but keep hydrated and don’t skip the lifejacket or the sunscreen!