KENORA – WEATHER – July is almost half over. Heat, and smoke are going to start the week in Kenora. Across the Kenora–Lake of the Woods region we are beginning our week under the shadow of ongoing wildfire smoke.

It will be warm too, so make sure your dogs and cats have plenty of water and shade.

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement, warning of deteriorating air conditions expected to persist through to Wednesday. While skies are offering sunshine early, showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast this afternoon.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (as of 5:00 AM CDT – Kenora Airport)

• Temperature: 17.5°C

• Humidity: 76%

• Dew Point: 13.2°C

• Wind: WNW at 12 km/h

• Visibility: 24 km (reduced by smoke)

• Pressure: 101.2 kPa (rising)

• Conditions: Partly Cloudy with Local Smoke

⚠️ Special Air Quality Statement in Effect

Smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario continues to drift into the region under westerly winds, creating poor air quality and reduced visibility across the Kenora, Grassy Narrows, and Whitedog First Nation areas, including Lake of the Woods cottage country.

Health & Safety Recommendations:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, and people with heart/lung conditions.

• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Use HEPA air filters or portable air purifiers.

• Limit outdoor exposure and wear N95-type masks if you must go outside.

• Hydrate regularly and watch for symptoms: headaches, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

• Check in on neighbors or elders in your community.

• Follow local public health advisories.

More info: canada.ca/wildfire-smoke

Monday Forecast – July 14

Daytime

☀️ A sunny start will shift to a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of showers this afternoon, increasing to 70% late in the day. A risk of thunderstorms is possible.
🌫️ Local smoke remains throughout the day.

• High: 24°C

• Humidex: 27

• UV Index: 8 (Very High)

Evening & Overnight

🌧️ Cloudy with a 70% chance of showers and continued thunderstorm risk into the evening.

• Smoke persists overnight.

• Low: 15°C

Extended Forecast

Tuesday, July 15

☁️ Cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and lingering smoke.
🌬️ Winds shifting to northeast at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40.

• High: 22°C | Humidex: 25 | UV Index: 5 (Moderate)
  🌙 Night: Cloudy periods with a 30% chance of showers. Low 12°C.

Wednesday, July 16

🌤️ Mix of sun and cloud

• High: 20°C
  🌙 Night: Cloudy periods, 30% chance of showers. Low 13°C.

Thursday, July 17

🌤️ Continued mix of sun and cloud.

• High: 24°C

Wardrobe Recommendations

• Light, breathable clothing is ideal for today’s warm and humid weather.

• Pack a rain jacket or umbrella for afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

• UV protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+) is essential during high-index hours.

• If outdoors, have a respirator-style mask on hand due to lingering smoke.

Weather Trivia

Did you know? Lake of the Woods can amplify summer thunderstorm activity by providing additional low-level moisture—this makes regions like Kenora more prone to afternoon thunderstorms during humid conditions.