Sunny Skies, Rising Temps, and Air Quality Concerns
A Cloudy Start with Heat and Haze on the Way
Dryden & Vermilion Bay – Thursday, May 29, 2025: The morning begins under cloudy skies with a temperature of 12.9°C, recorded at 6:00 AM at Dryden Airport. Humidity sits at 70%, creating a slightly muggy feel, and the dew point is 7.6°C, indicating a comfortably moist air mass. Winds are from the west-southwest at 9 km/h, and visibility is at 16 km for now — but that may change as wildfire smoke begins to move into the area later this morning. The pressure is 101.8 kPa and falling, which lines up with the expected shift in weather patterns today.
Sun Returns — Along with Smoke
The forecast calls for a sunny day overall, but local wildfire smoke will drift into the region late this morning and persist through the afternoon. It won’t block out the sun entirely, but it will dull the blue sky and potentially impact breathing — especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Temperatures will reach a warm high of 27°C, perfect for short sleeves, though not ideal for deep breaths outdoors. The UV index hits 8, which is very high, so sun protection is a must even through the haze.
Winds will pick up from the west at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40, which might offer some ventilation — or might stir the smoke around. Either way, plan accordingly.
Partly Cloudy and Smoky Tonight
Tonight will be partly cloudy, with skies clearing before morning, but the local smoke lingers. Winds will shift to the northwest at 20 km/h, becoming light by evening. The low will stay warm at 15°C, providing a comfortable, if slightly smoky, night for sleeping or stargazing.
Friday to Sunday: Summer Mode Activated
Friday starts sunny again, though local smoke may linger in the morning. Winds will pick up again from the north at 20 km/h, and temperatures will peak at 26°C. The UV index remains at 8, so another high-sunscreen, low-strenuous-activity day is on tap.
Friday night brings cloudy periods and a low of 9°C — ideal for cooling things off without needing extra layers.
Saturday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of showers, but the daytime high stays summery at 26°C. Sunday sees similar conditions, minus the showers, with a sizzling high of 28°C and a mild low of 13°C at night.
What to Wear (and Watch For)
You’ll want your summer wardrobe — think breathable fabrics and wide-brimmed hats — but don’t let the sunshine distract you from the air quality alert. If you’re spending extended time outdoors, especially in the afternoon, consider a certified N95 mask to filter out fine particles from the wildfire smoke. And remember: SPF is a must. Even smoky skies don’t block UV rays completely.
Historic Temperatures for May 29
Dryden has seen a record high of 30.5°C and a record low of 2.2°C on this date. Today’s forecast high of 27°C keeps us well within the warm and wonderful zone — with a touch of wildfire caution in the air.
Dryden Trivia: Smoke Signals from the Skies
Did you know Dryden sits within one of Ontario’s most active wildfire-prone corridors during dry spring spells? Thanks to its boreal forest surroundings and typically dry May weather, the region often sees early season smoke — and today is another example. Keep an eye on fire ratings and follow local advisories when venturing into wooded areas.
