Special Air Quality Statement Issued as Wildfire Smoke Impacts Region
Warm Weather and Reduced Visibility Combine for a Smoky Spring Day
Sioux Lookout, ON – Friday, May 30, 2025: The sunshine may be out, but so is the smoke. A Special Air Quality Statement remains in effect this morning for Sioux Lookout and Eastern Lac Seul, warning residents of reduced visibility and health risks associated with wildfire smoke blanketing the area.
As of 6:00 AM CDT, it’s a mild 13.2°C in Sioux Lookout, with partly cloudy skies and a moderate humidity of 75%. The barometric pressure sits at 101.1 kPa and is falling, suggesting the calm air isn’t going to do much to sweep away the haze. Winds from the north at 9 km/h are expected to become light this afternoon, offering little relief. Visibility is reduced to 19 km—another reminder that wildfire smoke is not just a nuisance, but a real health concern.
Friday Forecast: Sunny Skies, But the Smoke Stays
Today will be sunny with local smoke remaining throughout the day. Winds will shift to a northeast direction at 20 km/h, then ease off by the afternoon. While the sun will shine strongly with a UV index of 8 – very high, the smoke may mask just how intense that solar radiation really is. Expect a high of 24°C, perfect for a backyard lunch if you can safely avoid prolonged smoke exposure.
Tonight: Smoke Settles in with a Clear Night
Tonight will be clear but still smoky, as the calm evening conditions allow smoke to settle once again. Expect a low of 9°C. Keep those windows shut and run air purifiers or clean filters if you have them. Outdoor evening plans? Consider switching to indoors or be sure to wear a high-quality mask.
The Weekend Outlook: More Heat, More Haze
Saturday brings a mix of sun and cloud with ongoing local smoke. Temperatures will climb to 25°C under a UV index of 8—so if you’re heading to the lake, bring sunscreen and a smoke-resilient attitude. Saturday night will remain clear, with a low of 8°C.
Sunday is shaping up to be the warmest day of the stretch, with pure sun and a high of 27°C. While it might sound like the perfect summer preview, remember that air quality may remain compromised, especially in the morning and evening hours.
Looking into Monday, we’ll see a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of showers, which could help ease some of the smoke conditions. The high will be a balmy 29°C, followed by a 40% chance of showers Monday night with a low of 14°C.
What to Wear?
It’s definitely shorts and t-shirts weather—but don’t let the pleasant temps fool you. If you’re spending time outdoors, wear UV-protective clothing, sunglasses, and consider a respirator mask for extended exposure to smoke. Stay hydrated, and be mindful of symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, or shortness of breath.
Sioux Lookout Weather Trivia
Did you know Sioux Lookout has one of the highest annual sunshine totals in Northwestern Ontario? While today’s sun is trying its best to break through the haze, the town averages over 2,000 hours of sunlight annually — just not all at once, thankfully!
