Heat Wave Grips Kenora Area with Scorching Days and Tropical Nights

KENORA – WEATHER REPORT – The sizzling saga continues across Kenora, Grassy Narrows, Whitedog, and the Lake of the Woods region as the Heat Warning remains firmly in effect. The first significant heat event of the season has locals wondering if we skipped spring entirely and landed straight into July. With temperatures expected to soar to 33°C today and tomorrow, and nighttime lows stuck around 20°C, this prolonged heat event is giving the region an early taste of summer’s peak.

Forecast Details: A Hot, Sticky Stretch Ending Midweek

As of 5:00 AM CDT this morning, Kenora Airport was already reporting a warm 20.2°C under mainly clear skies. Winds are picking up from the south at 21 km/h, gusting to 32 km/h, and humidity is sitting at a dry 32%, giving the air a desert-like feel in the early hours. Barometric pressure is holding steady at 100.2 kPa.

Today will bring sunshine all day, with winds intensifying from the south at 40 km/h, gusting to 60 by late morning. Temperatures will soar to a blistering 32°C, and with a UV index of 8, it’s another very high exposure day—so hats, shades, and SPF are non-negotiable.

Tonight will be clear and sultry once again, with the temperature refusing to fall below 20°C. Winds will diminish slightly to 20 km/h gusting to 40 by late evening, becoming light overnight.

Wednesday promises more of the same, with sunny skies in the morning giving way to a mix of sun and cloud by the afternoon, along with a 40 percent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm. The high will reach 33°C, again brushing against historical records. The UV index remains locked at 8. Wednesday night will finally see a clearer sky and a slightly cooler low of 17°C.

Thursday marks the start of a long-awaited cool-down, with a mix of sun and cloud and a 30 percent chance of showers, bringing the high down to 28°C. Showers will move in overnight with a low of 14°C.

By Friday, it will feel more like mid-May again, with cloudy skies, a 40 percent chance of showers, and a much cooler high of 14°C—yes, that’s 20 degrees cooler than Wednesday. The night will continue cloudy with a low dipping to just 3°C.

Staying Safe (and Sane) in the Heat

When the weather turns this hot, it’s not just about comfort—it’s about safety. Stick to lightweight, breathable clothes in light colours, and limit strenuous activity during the peak heat of the day. Make water your best friend, and check in on neighbours, especially seniors and those living alone.

And if the air conditioning isn’t cutting it, remember the lakes and shaded parks offer natural (and free) cooling centres. But don’t forget the sunscreen—even lakeside, the sun’s UV is cranking to extreme levels.

Historic Heat for May 13

Kenora’s record high for today is 32.8°C, while the record low is a frosty -2.8°C. With today’s forecast high of 32°C, the region is sitting right on the doorstep of its all-time heat record for May 13. Mother Nature is clearly in a summer state of mind.

Kenora Heatwave Trivia

Did you know? Despite being surrounded by water, Kenora can still experience intense heat events thanks to dry southerly winds funneling in from the prairies. This creates conditions where the humidex might stay relatively low—but the dry, baking heat can feel every bit as exhausting.