Heat Warning and Air Quality Statement Issued as Smoke and High Temperatures Return
Dryden – Vermilion Bay, ON – After a chilly stretch, the region is experiencing a sudden—and serious—shift in conditions. A Heat Warning and Special Air Quality Statement are in effect this morning, creating a dangerous combination of sweltering temperatures and wildfire smoke that will linger through Monday night. Residents are urged to take precautions for both heat-related illness and poor air quality.
Sunday: A Hot and Hazy Day Ahead
As of 5:00 AM CDT at Dryden Airport, it’s a calm and mainly clear 9.5°C, with humidity at 68% and a gentle southeasterly breeze at 5 km/h. Pressure is steady at 101.2 kPa, but the calm won’t last.
Expect sunny skies this morning, turning hazy by midday as widespread wildfire smoke moves in. Winds will shift from the southwest at 20 km/h late this morning. The high will climb to 30°C, with a humidex of 32 and a UV index of 9 (very high) — prompting sunburn risks even through the haze.
Heat Warning: Take Action to Stay Safe
Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for the region, with daytime highs of 29–31°C and overnight lows of 18–20°C expected through Monday night. While smoke may limit some heating, daytime temps are still forecast to hit dangerous levels.
Tips to beat the heat:
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Stay hydrated — drink water often, even before you feel thirsty
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Limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours
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Use fans or air conditioning and close blinds to keep your space cool
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Visit cooling centres, community spaces, or shaded areas if your home is too hot
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Check in on neighbours, especially seniors, children, and those with health conditions
Never leave pets or people in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes.
Wildfire Smoke Advisory: Poor Air Quality and Visibility
Along with the heat comes a Special Air Quality Statement, as wildfire smoke from northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan drifts into the region. Smoke is expected to remain through Monday and possibly beyond, impacting visibility and respiratory health.
Vulnerable groups — including infants, pregnant individuals, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those working outdoors — should reduce or reschedule time outside.
Common symptoms of smoke exposure include:
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Throat and eye irritation
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Headaches or mild coughing
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In more serious cases: wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
What to do:
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Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed
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Use HEPA-grade air filters or portable air cleaners
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Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator if you must go outside
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Prioritize cooling if indoors becomes too hot
Tonight and Monday: Hazy, Hot and Stormy
Tonight stays smoky and mild, with a low of 19°C. Winds will ease in the evening.
On Monday, June 2, the day begins sunny, becoming a mix of sun and cloud with a 40% chance of showers and a risk of afternoon thunderstorms. Smoke continues to blanket the region. Highs will reach 28°C, with a humidex of 30 and gusty north winds by afternoon.
Monday night brings cloudy skies and a 60% chance of showers, with a refreshing low of 11°C — signalling relief from the extreme heat.
Tuesday Outlook: Relief on the Way
Tuesday will bring clearer skies with a mix of sun and cloud and a more manageable high of 23°C. Tuesday night will be clear with a low of 9°C, finally offering some breathable air and more comfortable sleeping weather.
Fire Risk Reminder
Forest fire danger levels remain high to extreme. Please observe local fire bans and restrictions, and avoid activities that could spark a blaze.
Weather Trivia: Did You Know?
The hottest June day ever recorded in Dryden was 35.2°C on June 11, 1988 — a record still standing, but today’s conditions are flirting with similar danger levels, especially when combined with poor air quality.
