Hot, Humid, and Stormy – Summer’s Encore Hits Northwestern Ontario
DRYDEN – WEATHER – After a refreshing few days that hinted at fall, Dryden and Vermilion Bay are right back in the grip of summer this Monday morning. It’s hot, humid, and yes, potentially stormy, as we ride a weather rollercoaster that brings a humidex in the mid-30s, gusty winds, and a solid chance of thunderstorms later in the day. If it weren’t for the falling leaves, you might think it’s July again.
Early Morning Conditions: Warm and Moist
At 4:00 AM CDT, Dryden Airport was reporting mainly clear skies, a temperature of 17.5°C, and humidity at 92%, with a dew point of 16.2°C—that’s warm, moist air just waiting for a spark. Winds are blowing gently from the south at 13 km/h, and visibility is decent at 16 km. The barometric pressure is 101.8 kPa, a touch on the lower side, and steady, indicating the setup for today’s weather is already in place.
Today: Humidex Hits 35°C with Thunder Risk This Afternoon
The skies will become a mix of sun and cloud this morning, but don’t let that brightness fool you—a 40% chance of showers is expected this afternoon, and there’s also a risk of thunderstorms as the atmosphere heats up and destabilizes.
The temperature will climb to 28°C, but with the thick, moisture-laden air, it’ll feel more like 35°C—a downright tropical day for mid-September. Winds will kick up from the south at 30 km/h, gusting to 50, especially by early afternoon, so expect some blustery conditions along with the heat. The UV index is 6, which is high—don’t let those clouds lull you into skipping the sunscreen.
For perspective, this is well above average for this time of year, with Dryden’s typical mid-September highs around 17–19°C. Today’s weather is a full summer encore.
Tonight: Stormy, Then Calm
Tonight brings mainly cloudy skies, and the chance of showers rises to 60% for the evening, again with a risk of thunderstorms. The south wind continues at 30 km/h gusting to 50 early in the evening before settling down overnight, leaving behind a warm low of 18°C—more like a July overnight than September.
Tuesday: Slightly Cooler, But Still Unsettled
Tuesday, September 16, starts off promising with a mix of sun and cloud, but don’t stash the umbrella just yet—there’s a 30% chance of showers in the afternoon, once again with a risk of thunderstorms. Winds shift to southwest at 20 km/h gusting to 40, and the high reaches 25°C, with a humidex of 28.
The chance of showers continues Tuesday night, with cloudy periods and a low of 15°C.
Midweek and Beyond: Gradual Cooldown
Wednesday, September 17, stays partly sunny with a 30% chance of showers, and the high will be 24°C—still warm, but less oppressive.
Wednesday night remains cloudy with a 30% chance of showers, with the low dipping to 12°C.
By Thursday, September 18, the heat will finally take a break, as cloudy skies and a high of just 18°C return us to something more seasonally familiar. Thursday night continues cloudy, with a much cooler low of 9°C.
What to Wear?
It’s definitely a shorts-and-sandals kind of day, but make sure your outerwear is rainproof, not warm—a compact umbrella or rain shell is a must. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also necessary, and be cautious during windy periods (especially on the water or roads).
Weather Trivia: Humidex 35°C… in September?
While it might feel unusual, humidex values in the 30s have been recorded as late as mid-September in northwestern Ontario. This is thanks to lingering warm southern air masses, often combined with moisture from local lakes. Dryden’s inland position doesn’t stop the summer steam from sneaking in, especially during high-pressure build-ups to the east.
