Smoke Advisory in Effect as Wildfire Conditions Persist
Bright Skies, Blurry Views
Kenora, ON – Friday, May 30, 2025: The day begins with partly cloudy skies and a warm 15.8°C at 6:00 AM, observed at Kenora Airport. Humidity is sitting at 53%, with a dew point of 6.2°C, making the morning air dry but comfortable. Winds are light from the west-northwest at 12 km/h, and visibility has dropped to 19 km – a result of lingering wildfire smoke. Barometric pressure is at 101.2 kPa and falling, suggesting a shift toward more unsettled conditions later into the weekend.
But the big headline? A Special Air Quality Statement is in effect due to wildfire smoke. Poor air quality and reduced visibility are expected to persist today and possibly into Saturday, driven by ongoing regional wildfire activity and high forest fire danger ratings.
Friday Forecast: Sun-Soaked Skies with a Smoky Veil
Today will be sunny, but the sunshine will come with a filter. Local smoke is expected throughout the day, with temperatures soaring to a high of 28°C under mostly clear skies. Winds will shift to the northeast at 20 km/h by early afternoon, which may fan the smoke around and worsen air quality at times. The UV index is 8 – very high, so don’t let the hazy appearance fool you; sun protection is essential.
Tonight: Clear Skies, But the Smoke Sticks Around
Tonight remains clear, but local smoke will continue to hang in the air. The low dips to a mild 14°C, keeping things warm but potentially uncomfortable for those sensitive to air quality. If you’ve got respiratory issues or plan to sleep with windows open — maybe reconsider. The still conditions won’t help clear the smoke much.
Saturday: More Heat, More Haze, and a Chance of Showers
Saturday starts sunny, but transitions to a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon with a 30% chance of showers. Local smoke remains in the picture, and temperatures will again hit a high of 30°C, making it feel more mid-July than end-of-May. Keep an eye out for brief relief in the form of showers — and don’t rule out a rumble of thunder either.
Saturday night clears up again, with a low of 13°C.
Sunday Brings More Sunshine and Heat
Sunday looks like a repeat performance, with sunny skies and a high of 29°C, followed by another clear night and a low of 18°C. Perfect for cottage weekends — if the smoke doesn’t spoil the party.
Special Air Quality Advisory: Stay Smoke-Savvy
A Special Air Quality Statement remains in effect for Kenora, Grassy Narrows, and Whitedog due to wildfire smoke. Smoke exposure can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, coughing, and in more serious cases, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Vulnerable groups — including seniors, children, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions — should take precautions.
If you must be outdoors, consider wearing a well-fitted N95 mask and limit physical exertion. Indoors, keep windows and doors shut, and run air filtration if possible. If symptoms worsen or you’re unsure, seek medical advice immediately.
What to Wear?
Summer gear is a must: tank tops, shorts, and sunglasses. But add a good-quality respirator mask to that list if you’re heading out for errands, outdoor work, or recreation. It’s sunblock and smoke season all at once.
Historical Weather Note for May 30
Kenora’s record high for this date is 33.5°C, and today’s high of 28°C comes pretty close. Historically, late May tends to bring sharp swings — and this weekend’s forecast proves it’s not just the temperature that’s heating up.
Weather Trivia: Why the Haze Hangs Around
Kenora’s geography puts it right in the path of smoke drifting eastward from the Prairies and northwest Ontario’s boreal regions. When high-pressure systems settle in, they trap smoke in the lower atmosphere — turning a sunny day into a smoky one, fast.
