Scorching Start to May as Heat Warning Stays in Effect for Fort Frances, Emo, and Rainy River

FORT FRANCES – WEATHER REPORT – Summer is showing up to the Rainy River District a little early this year. Environment Canada’s Heat Warning remains firmly in place for Fort Frances, Emo, and Rainy River, as the region bakes under temperatures soaring into the low 30s. The first significant heat event of the season is expected to continue right through Tuesday evening, and possibly into Wednesday, with the nights staying just as sticky—offering little overnight relief.

Heat Ramps Up: Forecast Through Thursday

At 6:00 AM CDT this morning, the thermometer at Fort Frances read a sultry 20.9°C, under cloudy skies with limited visibility. Winds from the south are keeping things moving at 19 km/h, gusting to 34 km/h. The humidity is sitting at 34%, and the barometric pressure has dipped to 100.9 kPa and is falling—setting the stage for a sweltering day ahead.

Today’s forecast brings a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm this morning—Mother Nature’s dramatic attempt at a cool-down. Skies will clear near noon, giving way to blazing sunshine and a high of 33°C. The UV index will hit a blistering 8—very high—so wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen should be your constant companions.

Tonight won’t offer much in the way of comfort, as clear skies continue and temperatures hold at a stifling 20°C. Winds from the south will persist at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, meaning it’ll be a restless, fan-on-high kind of night.

Tuesday keeps the heat dial turned all the way up with sunny skies and a high of 33°C again. Gusty south winds at 30 km/h to 50 km/h will persist throughout the day. Tuesday night cools slightly to 17°C under clear skies.

Wednesday sees a break in the pattern, at least slightly, with a mix of sun and cloud and a 30 percent chance of showers, bringing the high down to a still-hot 30°C. The night will bring more clouds and another 30 percent chance of showers with a low of 15°C.

Thursday marks a significant shift, with cloudy skies and a 60 percent chance of showers. Highs will cool to a more seasonable 24°C—yes, you might need to remind yourself what that feels like. Showers will continue Thursday night with a much cooler low of 9°C.

Dress Light, Drink Up, and Keep It Cool

In these conditions, wardrobe choices are all about survival: think loose, breathable fabrics in light colours, floppy hats, and hydration packs if you’re spending extended time outdoors. Keep outdoor activities to early mornings or late evenings when temperatures might dip just enough to be tolerable.

Don’t forget: this heat can sneak up on you. Keep tabs on yourself and those around you for signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, and make sure no one—especially pets or kids—is left inside parked vehicles.

Historical Highs and Lows for May 12

Fort Frances is no stranger to May heat, holding a record high of 33.3°C for today’s date. With today’s forecast brushing right up against that, we could be writing a new chapter in the town’s sizzling spring weather record book.

Prairie-Style Heat Trivia

Did you know? Fort Frances, located on the Rainy River, often feels more like a Prairie town when it comes to weather extremes. Its unique position creates conditions where heat waves can linger longer than you’d expect, turning this part of Northwestern Ontario into a temporary oven.