Smoke Advisory Active as Northern Ontario Communities Grapple with Poor Air Quality

SANDY LAKE – A thick layer of wildfire smoke continues to impact Sandy Lake, Weagamow Lake, and Deer Lake, with an Air Quality Warning in place today. Despite cooler, mostly cloudy conditions, the smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility, raising health concerns, especially for vulnerable community members. Although some improvement is expected later this morning, local smoke will continue to linger into the weekend.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions

As of 6:00 AM CDT, Sandy Lake Airport reports cloudy skies with a temperature of 6.4°C, and a dew point of 2.9°C, making for a cool and damp start. Humidity is at 78%, and winds are light from the west at 9 km/h. Visibility is reduced to 16 km due to widespread smoke across the region.

Barometric pressure sits at 101.7 kPa and rising, suggesting fairer conditions developing — but not enough to displace the trapped smoke near the ground.

Cloud cover remains this morning, with widespread smoke expected to ease to localized smoke later today. The forecast calls for a high of 17°C, and a UV index of 5 (moderate) — lower than usual due to hazy skies, but still warranting light sun protection if you’re outside.

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Expected Conditions

Friday, June 6: Skies will clear early, but expect a mix of sun and cloud late in the morning, along with a 30% chance of showers and the risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Local smoke will still be present. High of 22°C, with a UV index of 6 (high).

Friday Night: Cloudy periods with a low of 12°C.

Saturday, June 7: Cloudy with a 30% chance of showers, and a high of 23°C.

Saturday Night: Showers become likely, with a low of 12°C.

Sunday, June 8: Continued showers throughout the day with a cooler high of 18°C, and overnight low near 9°C.

Health Advisory: Air Quality Warning

A government-issued Air Quality Warning remains in effect for Sandy Lake, Weagamow Lake, and Deer Lake, driven by smoke from nearby and distant wildfires.

Those at highest risk:

• Elders and young children

• Pregnant individuals

• People with asthma, bronchitis, or heart conditions

• Individuals who work outdoors

What to do:

• Limit time outdoors, especially during peak smoke periods

• Keep windows and doors shut

• Run HEPA air purifiers or portable air cleaners indoors

• If you must go outdoors, wear a properly-fitted N95 respirator mask

• Check in on family, elders, or vulnerable neighbors

If you experience difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or severe coughing, seek medical attention immediately.

For guidance, visit canada.ca/wildfire-smoke or airqualityontario.com.

Wardrobe Recommendations

• Today: Layer up for the chilly start and mild afternoon. A face covering is recommended outdoors due to lingering smoke.

• Friday: Wear lighter clothes but carry rain protection in case of afternoon storms. Monitor smoke levels throughout the day.

• Saturday: Keep a rain jacket and umbrella close — scattered showers are likely.

Weather Trivia

Did you know?
Many remote northern Ontario communities like Sandy Lake and Weagamow are among the first to detect wildfire smoke intrusions due to their proximity to vast boreal forest zones. Because of limited infrastructure and accessibility, air quality alerts carry even greater importance in these areas.