Special Air Quality Statement in Effect – Smoke Settling Over Far Northern Ontario
Residents in Fort Hope, Neskantaga, and Marten Falls are advised to take precautions today as wildfire smoke from the Prairies moves into the region.
A Special Air Quality Statement is in effect, with locally poor air quality and reduced visibility reported. While improvement is expected throughout the day, smoke may linger into Tuesday, especially across southern parts of the region.
Air Quality Health Advisory
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Who is most at risk:
Seniors, children, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses such as asthma or heart conditions. -
Recommended Actions:
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Limit outdoor activities
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Close windows and doors
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Use an air purifier if available
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Wear a properly fitted N95 mask if outdoor exposure is unavoidable
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Stay hydrated and monitor symptoms (headache, sore throat, coughing, chest tightness)
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For more health guidance, visit airhealth.ca or canada.ca/wildfire-smoke
Current Conditions (as of 7:00 AM EDT at Ogoki Post Airport)
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Temperature: 17.4°C
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Dew Point: 17.4°C
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Humidity: 100%
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Wind: North-northwest at 5 km/h
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Visibility: 15 km
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Pressure: 101.0 kPa
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Sky Conditions: Cloudy, with saturated humidity and smoke building in the lower levels
Today’s Forecast – Monday, July 28
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Conditions: A mix of sun and cloud with a 60% chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon
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Smoke: Local smoke will reduce air quality and visibility at times
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Wind: Becoming northwest 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h this morning
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High Temperature: 23°C
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Humidex: 26
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UV Index: 7 – High
Tonight
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Conditions: Partly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers early in the evening
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Smoke: Local smoke will linger
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Wind: Northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50, becoming light late this evening
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Low: 9°C
Extended Outlook
Tuesday, July 29:
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Morning: Local smoke, followed by increasing cloudiness
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Wind: Northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50
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High: 21°C
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UV Index: 5 – Moderate
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Night: Cloudy periods, with a 40% chance of showers, low of 9°C
Wednesday, July 30:
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Day: Mix of sun and cloud, with a 40% chance of showers
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High: 19°C
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Night: Cloudy periods, low of 9°C
Wardrobe & Safety Recommendations
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Today: Dress in light, breathable layers for warm daytime temps. If outdoors, wear a mask if sensitive to smoke. Waterproof gear is advisable due to storm potential.
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Tuesday-Wednesday: Cooler, breezy weather returns. Layer up for chilly mornings and bring a windbreaker for gusty daytime conditions.
Weather Trivia
Did You Know?
Communities like Fort Hope and Marten Falls often experience air quality impacts from distant wildfires, especially when westerly and northwesterly winds dominate. These upper-level patterns can carry smoke plumes across thousands of kilometres, even without nearby fires.
