Air Quality Alert in Effect – Prairie Smoke Reduces Visibility and Raises Health Risks

A Special Air Quality Statement remains in effect this morning for Fort Hope, Lansdowne House, and Ogoki, including Marten Falls and Neskantaga First Nations, due to significant smoke drifting in from the Prairies. While skies are expected to turn sunny today, smoke will persist and air quality may fluctuate significantly, posing health concerns for residents — particularly vulnerable groups. Limit outdoor exposure and monitor symptoms closely.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (as of 7:00 AM EDT at Ogoki Post Airport)

• Temperature: 11.2°C

• Wind: West at 13 km/h

• Humidity: 84%

• Dew Point: 8.6°C

• Pressure: 101.5 kPa

• Visibility: 3 km (due to mist and smoke)

• Sky Conditions: Misty and smoky with poor visibility

Today, skies will turn sunny as the morning mist lifts, but local smoke will continue affecting visibility and air quality. Winds will shift to the southwest at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40 km/h by midday, potentially stirring and redistributing smoke. Temperatures will rise to a high of 27°C, with a humidex of 29. The UV index is 7 – high, so sun protection is also important.

Smoke Advisory Health Tips

• Limit time outdoors, especially during peak smoke conditions.

• Close windows and doors, and use air filtration where possible.

• Wear a well-fitted N95 mask if you must be outside for extended periods.

• Watch for symptoms: headaches, coughing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.

• Check on vulnerable individuals — seniors, children, pregnant people, and those with chronic illness or asthma.

For current air quality readings, visit airhealth.ca.

Extended Weather Forecast

Saturday, July 26:

Showers are forecast with a risk of thunderstorms. Winds will increase, blowing southwest at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h. Expect a high of 28°C, with a humidex of 35 – it will feel very humid and unstable. The UV index remains high at 6.

Saturday Night:
Cloudy skies with a 40% chance of lingering showers, and a low of 18°C.

Sunday, July 27:

A mix of sun and cloud returns, with a high of 27°C. A temporary break from the active weather pattern.

Sunday Night:
Cloudy with a 40% chance of showers, and a low of 16°C.

Monday, July 28:

Expect showers throughout the day, with temperatures dipping slightly to a high of 22°C.

Monday Night:
Cloudy periods continue with a 40% chance of showers, and a much cooler low of 10°C.

Wardrobe Recommendations

• Today: Layer up this morning, but shift to lightweight clothing by afternoon. A hat and sunglasses are important due to high UV. Consider a respirator mask if you’re outdoors in smoke for extended periods.

• Saturday: Waterproof outerwear and breathable layers are advised, especially with high humidity and rain risk.

• Sunday/Monday: Continue wearing flexible layers for the mix of warm daytime temps and cooler overnight lows.

Weather Trivia

Did You Know?
The communities around Ogoki and the Albany River basin are especially susceptible to smoke from western wildfires due to prevailing summer wind patterns. When low pressure systems dip into northwestern Ontario, they often drag in smoke plumes from as far west as Saskatchewan and Alberta.