Covering Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nations and the Fort Frances Region

🔴 Special Air Quality Statement in Effect

Fort Frances – Weather – Smoke ’em if you got ’em? No one ever suggested smoking the smoke from trees, but today that is exactly what the forecast includes.

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for Fort Frances, Emo, Rainy River, and nearby First Nations due to widespread wildfire smoke reducing air quality and visibility. Westerly winds are funnelling smoke from fires burning in northern Ontario, and conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday.

Current Weather Conditions

📍 Observed at Fort Frances Airport – 5:00 AM CDT

• Temperature: 12.9°C

• Dew Point: 12.5°C

• Humidity: 98%

• Pressure: 101.3 kPa (Rising)

• Wind: Calm

• Visibility: Not observed

• Sky Condition: Not observed

• Air Quality: Poor (smoke-related)

Monday Forecast – July 14

• 🌥️ Mainly cloudy throughout the day.

• 🌦️ 30% chance of showers developing by early afternoon, increasing to 70% later in the day.

• ⚡ Risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon.

• 🌫️ Local smoke continues to blanket the area.

• 🌬️ Wind: West at 20 km/h, becoming light by midday.

• 🔺 High: 24°C

• 💧 Humidex: 29

• 🔆 UV Index: 6 (High)

Tonight – July 14

• ☁️ Cloudy with a 70% chance of showers and continued risk of thunderstorms.

• 🌫️ Smoke remains present overnight.

• 🌬️ Wind: Becoming northeast 20 km/h late in the evening, shifting southeast with gusts up to 40 km/h overnight.

• 🌡️ Low: 16°C

Extended Forecast

Tuesday, July 15

• ☁️ Cloudy with a 40% chance of showers.

• 🌫️ Smoke continues to affect air quality.

• 🌬️ Winds: NE at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 by late morning.

• 🌡️ High: 22°C

• 💧 Humidex: 27

• 🔆 UV Index: 3 (Moderate)
  🌙 Night: Cloudy periods with 30% chance of showers. Low: 12°C.

Wednesday, July 16

• 🌤️ Mix of sun and cloud.

• 🌡️ High: 19°C
  🌙 Night: Cloudy periods with 30% chance of showers. Low: 10°C.

Wardrobe & Health Recommendations

• Light layers are recommended due to mild daytime temps.

• N95 respirator masks are highly encouraged outdoors due to wildfire smoke.

• Keep windows closed and air filtration systems running indoors.

• Limit time outdoors, especially for children, elders, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

• Carry rain protection for afternoon showers and possible storms.

Air Quality Advisory – Safety Tips

With poor air quality continuing, please take these precautions:

• Stay indoors when possible, with doors and windows closed.

• Use an air purifier or HEPA filter system.

• Avoid physical exertion outdoors.

• Check on vulnerable people—especially elders, young children, and anyone with breathing issues.

• Drink plenty of fluids and stay cool indoors.

Learn more at: canada.ca/wildfire-smoke

🧠 Weather Trivia

Did you know? The Rainy River District often experiences smoke events from remote fires hundreds of kilometres away due to prevailing upper-level winds. These conditions can impact air quality even when skies appear clear.