Humidex Hits 40 – Stay Cool and Stay Alert
FORT FRANCES – WEATHER UPDATE – It’s shaping up to be a scorcher in Fort Frances, Emo, Rainy River, and Red Gut First Nation as Environment Canada continues a Heat Warning. As of 5:00 AM CDT, it’s already 21°C with humidity at 83%, and we’re only just getting started. With a dew point of 17.7°C, the humidex is already at 26, and it’s only expected to climb throughout the day. Winds from the east at 20 km/h are trying their best, but it won’t be enough to cool you down. The barometric pressure is holding at 100.6 kPa and rising, but that won’t slow the heat.
Today’s Forecast: Blistering Heat with Thunderstorm Potential
Sunday brings a high of 30°C, but the real story is the humidex, pushing a sweltering 40. The sky will remain cloudy, and there’s a 40% chance of showers, with a risk of thunderstorms building into the afternoon. Winds will increase from the southeast at 30 km/h, gusting to 50, which might kick up a breeze but won’t dent the oppressive heat.
If you’re heading outdoors, be cautious. This is the kind of day where your sunscreen sweats off before you finish applying it. It’s vital to stay hydrated, find shade, and limit intense activity. And yes, it’s definitely too hot to mow the lawn—we checked.
Heat Safety Tips:
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Drink water often—even if you’re not thirsty.
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Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.
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Check on neighbours, especially the elderly or those living alone.
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Never, ever leave children or pets in vehicles.
Tonight: A Steamy Night with Thunderstorm Risk
Evening showers and possible thunderstorms will provide little relief from the heat. Local rainfall totals may reach 10 to 15 mm. The wind will ease off slightly, becoming light near midnight, but the overnight low of 18°C will offer very little cooling. It’s a good night to sleep with a fan—or three.
Monday: Cooler Winds, but Showers Linger
On Monday, expect a cloudy morning with a 40% chance of lingering showers and another chance of thunderstorms. The weather will begin to shift as winds swing west at 30 km/h, gusting to 50, ushering in a high of 24°C, with a humidex around 29—much more manageable. Skies will brighten as the day progresses into a mix of sun and cloud.
Monday night, skies partially clear, but there’s still a 30% chance of showers and a low of 12°C, finally giving your air conditioning a break.
Weather Trivia: Did You Know? 🌡️
Fort Frances once held the record for the highest humidex ever recorded in Ontario, hitting a sweltering 48 back in 1988. That’s the kind of day where asphalt gets sticky and even the squirrels slow down.
