Kenora Faces Smoky Skies and Steamy Weather as Wildfire Haze Persists
Kenora, ON – The morning calm over Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region comes with a smoky curtain today as wildfire haze continues to blanket northwestern Ontario.
A Special Air Quality Statement remains in effect, warning of reduced visibility and health risks due to lingering smoke.
As of 5:00 AM CDT, the temperature was a warm 17.6°C under mostly cloudy skies. Humidity is sitting high at 93%, giving the air that just-steamed-sauna feeling.
Winds are light from the southeast at 4 km/h but will pick up to 20 km/h from the south later this morning. The barometric pressure is at 102.1 kPa and rising — a sign that the atmosphere might be preparing for a bit of action.
A Smoky Start to the Week – Thunderstorm Risk Adds Drama
Today’s skies will stay mainly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers, and there’s a risk of thunderstorms rolling through as the day heats up. Smoke will continue to linger, reducing air quality and giving the sun a dim, filtered look.
By the afternoon, temperatures are expected to climb to a sticky 26°C, but it will feel more like 31°C thanks to the humidity. The UV index remains high at 7 — don’t be fooled by the clouds or the haze; sunburns are still on the menu.
Tonight, skies will become partly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers early in the evening, possibly accompanied by thunder. Temperatures will ease to a warm 17°C, with a southeast breeze at 20 km/h continuing to stir the smoky air.
Midweek Outlook – Heat Hangs On With More Rain Possibilities
Tuesday continues the theme: a mix of sun and cloud with another 30% chance of showers late in the day. Smoke is expected to return in the afternoon, and the humidex will once again push perceived temperatures to 31°C.
A low of 18°C is forecast for Tuesday night under mostly cloudy skies and a 30% chance of overnight rain.
Wednesday keeps the clouds overhead, along with a 60% chance of showers and a high of 26°C. If your week involves any outdoor plans, be ready to pivot — this forecast has more mood swings than a soap opera.
Breathing Easy: Tips for Staying Safe
If you’re sensitive to air quality — or just don’t enjoy breathing in wildfire smoke — try to stay indoors as much as possible today and tomorrow. Keep windows and doors closed, run a certified air purifier if you’ve got one, and if you’re venturing outdoors, consider an N95 mask. Young children, seniors, pregnant people, and anyone with respiratory conditions should take extra precautions.
What to Wear
It’s a light-and-loose clothing kind of day — cotton or breathable moisture-wicking fabrics will help you manage the heat and humidity. Sunglasses can cut through the glare, but don’t forget that mask if you’re heading into the smoke.
Historic Weather Snapshot – August 4 in Kenora
Historically, Kenora has sizzled on this date before — the record high for August 4th is 33.5°C (set in 1983), while the chilliest low dropped to just 5.0°C in 1971. So, while today feels warm, we’re not quite making weather history — just inhaling it.
Kenora Weather Trivia
Did you know? Lake of the Woods has over 14,500 islands, more than any other lake in North America. That’s a lot of shoreline to keep an eye on — especially when it’s all hidden behind a curtain of wildfire smoke! Smoke from distant fires can travel hundreds (sometimes thousands) of kilometres, making this remote region one of the hazier hotspots during fire season.
