Air Quality Warning Remains in Effect as Dense Smoke from Northwest Fires Lingers
Monday, June 16 – Cloudy Skies, Hazy Air and Caution in the Air
A thick veil of wildfire smoke continues to hang over Sandy Lake and Deer Lake this morning, prompting an active Air Quality Warning from Environment Canada. At 6:00 AM CDT, the temperature sits at 13.3°C, under cloudy skies with a relative humidity of 86%, according to observations at Sandy Lake Airport. The wind from the northeast at 9 km/h is not doing much to move the smoke out of the region. Visibility remains limited at 16 km, with widespread smoke expected to persist throughout the day.
The barometric pressure reads 101.2 kPa, and while it’s holding fairly steady, the atmosphere is anything but. The UV index will hit 6, considered high, though with so much smoke overhead, the sun may look more like a faint orange disk than a source of summer warmth.
The daytime high is expected to reach 21°C, but don’t let the mild temperature fool you—the air quality is the real issue today. There is also a 40% chance of showers this morning and early afternoon, which may help settle some of the smoke for a brief period before we see a mix of sun and cloud return later today.
Tonight – More Smoke, Slight Chance of Rain
Tonight will remain partly cloudy, with a 30% chance of showers overnight. The smoke remains widespread and heavy, keeping outdoor visibility and air quality poor. The low will drop to 10°C, but those with respiratory sensitivities should avoid exposure altogether.
Tuesday, June 17 – Smoky Skies Continue, Slightly Warmer
On Tuesday, the haze sticks around. Expect a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of morning showers, followed by another hazy, smoky afternoon. The high will climb to 23°C, with a UV index of 6 once again. Smoke will likely suppress some sunshine, but don’t rely on it to provide meaningful relief from the heat.
The night is forecast to be clear, with temperatures falling to 11°C, giving the region a short break from humidity, though not from the smoke.
Wednesday, June 18 – Rain on the Radar?
Wednesday’s outlook shows a 30% chance of showers mixed with periods of sunshine. A high of 21°C is forecast, and while some rainfall could help ease the fire threat and improve visibility, it remains uncertain how widespread or effective those showers will be. Skies should clear overnight, dropping to a low of 7°C.
Health Advisory – Protect Your Lungs
With extremely poor air quality continuing across the region, residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with respiratory conditions. If you must go outside, a well-fitted N95 respirator mask can help reduce exposure to fine particulate matter—but even then, risks remain.
Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible, and consider using an air purifier indoors if one is available. Check on neighbours who may need assistance, and stay tuned to public health and local emergency updates.
What to Wear
Today’s fashion tip? Function over form. If you must be outdoors, wear light, breathable clothing for the warmth, and consider a respirator-type mask to protect your lungs from smoke particles. Sunglasses might be more for eye irritation than sun glare today.
Weather Trivia – Smoke Screens from Afar
Did you know wildfire smoke can travel thousands of kilometres and still impact air quality? Particulates from fires as far as British Columbia or even California have, in the past, triggered air quality alerts in Ontario. In Sandy Lake and Deer Lake, the current haze is largely the result of massive wildfires burning just northwest of the region.
