Special Air Quality Alert in Effect
Thunder Bay – Weather – Smoky skies and health advisories have settled over Thunder Bay this Tuesday morning, with a Special Air Quality Statement in effect due to wildfire smoke blanketing the region.
As of 7:00 AM EDT at Thunder Bay Airport, the temperature is 13°C under hazy, smoke-filled skies. The air is thick and heavy with humidity at a sticky 96%, and visibility is sharply reduced to just 2 km.
Winds are coming in lightly from the north-northwest at 8 km/h, offering little relief from the stagnant air. Barometric pressure is measured at 100.7 kPa and slowly rising.
Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities as smoke is expected to linger and may even intensify in the coming days. While the air outside is irritating eyes, noses, and throats across the city, it’s also raising health concerns, especially for those with respiratory issues, older adults, young children, and outdoor workers.
Thunder Bay is no stranger to wild weather, but this smoky curtain adds a new layer of complexity. If you must head outside, don’t forget your N95 respirator—and maybe skip the jog today.
Today’s forecast calls for showers, with widespread smoke gradually becoming more localized this afternoon. The high will reach 21°C, but with a UV index of 3, sunburn isn’t today’s biggest worry—breathing easy is. Tonight will bring clearing skies and continued local smoke, with a low dipping to 9°C.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, June 4th, it’s a welcome change: sunny skies are expected, though winds will pick up from the west at 30 km/h later in the morning. The high will climb to a warm 26°C, perfect for drying out—if the smoke cooperates. Wednesday night will be clear and calm with a low of 8°C.
Thursday will be a mixed bag of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of showers and a high of 23°C. By night, expect cloudy periods and a low of 11°C. Friday brings more good news: clearing skies and a high of 22°C. The night will be crisp and clear, with temperatures dipping to a chilly 6°C.
In terms of wardrobe, it’s all about layering. Keep a light jacket handy for the cooler nights, but the real must-have today is protection from the smoke—masks, filtered indoor air, and plenty of water. And maybe reschedule that outdoor yoga class unless you enjoy downward dog with a side of particulate matter.
Here’s a Thunder Bay weather tidbit: the city once hit a record June high of 34.7°C back in 1995. Let’s just say today’s 13°C and smoke make for a far less tropical vibe.
