Special Air Quality Statement Issued Amid Stunning Late-Spring Warmth
Smoke Lingers Despite Beautiful Morning Conditions
Kenora & Area – Thursday, May 29, 2025: Don’t let the beautiful morning fool you — while the skies over Kenora, Grassy Narrows, Whitedog, and the Lake of the Woods region are partly cloudy with a balmy 14.4°C at 6:00 AM, a Special Air Quality Statement is in effect due to widespread wildfire smoke. With humidity at 59% and a dew point of 6.6°C, the air may feel clean, but it’s anything but — particularly for sensitive groups. Winds from the northwest at 14 km/h are expected to strengthen later today, potentially stirring up even more airborne irritants. Visibility remains decent at 24 km, but that could fluctuate depending on how dense the smoke becomes.
The barometric pressure is 101.9 kPa and falling, which aligns with the shifting weather pattern and smoky influx expected to linger through the weekend.
Sunshine and Smoke Continue as Temperatures Climb
Today’s forecast brings sunny skies with local smoke continuing to hang in the atmosphere. Temperatures will soar to 27°C, offering a taste of summer — but that warmth comes with a caution: outdoor activities should be limited, especially for those sensitive to air quality issues. The UV index reaches 8, which is very high, meaning double duty on sun safety is a must — even if the sun looks a little hazy.
Winds will pick up from the northwest, reaching 20 km/h and gusting up to 40 km/h by late morning, which may help clear the air slightly in some areas but could also worsen conditions in others by stirring up particulates.
Warm, Smoky Night Ahead
Tonight, the skies will remain clear, but local smoke will persist, carried by light northwest winds tapering off after sunset. The overnight low will sit at a warm 16°C — ideal for sleeping with the windows closed and the air purifier running.
Friday Brings More Heat, and Still More Smoke
Friday looks nearly identical: sunny skies, local smoke, and another high of 28°C. North winds around 20 km/h won’t be doing us any air-quality favours. Friday night stays clear with a low of 14°C.
Weekend Outlook: Still Warm, Slight Chance of Rain
Saturday offers a bit of variability with a mix of sun and cloud and a 30% chance of showers, potentially offering some brief relief from smoke. The high will be 26°C, with skies clearing overnight and a low of 13°C.
By Sunday, sunshine takes back control with a return to clear skies and a high of 28°C, and a low of 16°C at night. Smoke is still expected to be an issue throughout.
What to Wear (and Consider)
It’s summer attire for sure — think shorts, sunglasses, and sunscreen — but don’t forget a good NIOSH-certified N95 mask if you’re planning to be outdoors for extended periods, especially during physical activity. If you’ve got outdoor work, consider rescheduling or shortening it. And for those with respiratory conditions, it’s a great day to stay indoors with filtered air.
Historic Temperatures for May 29
Kenora’s weather records show a record high of 32.1°C and a record low of 1.4°C for this date. With a forecast high of 27°C, today sits comfortably in the “toasty but tolerable” range — if not for the smoke.
Lake of the Woods Weather Trivia
Did you know that Lake of the Woods has more than 14,500 islands and over 105,000 km of shoreline — more than the entire Atlantic coast of the U.S.? It’s a paddler’s paradise… just maybe not today. Let the smoke clear first!
