Sunshine, Smoke, and Seasonal Warmth Across Northwestern Ontario and Beyond
Northwestern Ontario and surrounding regions are dishing up classic Canadian late-spring weather today—a little bit of everything! From hazy skies due to wildfire smoke to clear, sunny afternoons perfect for road trips, hiking, or patio stops, travelers should pack smart and breathe cautiously. Here’s your region-wide forecast roundup to help guide your spring adventures.
Air Quality Alert: Smoke Spreads Across the Northwest
Heads up for those heading west or north in Ontario today—special air quality statements remain in effect for Thunder Bay, Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Fort Frances, Rainy River, and surrounding areas. Wildfire smoke is reducing visibility and impacting air quality. People with respiratory conditions, children, and older adults should limit outdoor activities. Keep N95 masks handy if venturing outside for extended periods.
Temperature Check and Regional Snapshot
Thunder Bay
Clearer skies are expected as the smoke lifts later today. After a warm start at 17°C, temperatures will climb to a comfortable 23°C with a mix of sun and cloud. North winds up to 40 km/h will help clear the air by tonight. The weekend looks ideal for exploring Sleeping Giant trails or catching a Border Cats game—just layer up for the 5°C nights.
Kenora & Lake of the Woods
It’s sunny with local smoke and a high of 28°C today. Winds will shift to the northeast at 20 km/h. Tonight remains clear with smoky conditions continuing. Smoke may persist into Saturday, when temperatures rise again to a scorching 30°C. Hydration and shade are your best friends.
Dryden & Vermilion Bay
Expect a sunny day with haze and a high of 26°C. Local smoke will make the air feel a bit heavy, especially in the afternoon. Winds will be light this morning, then northeast at 20 km/h. Conditions remain smoky and mild overnight with a low of 10°C. Saturday brings a carbon copy day with just a touch more cloud.
Sioux Lookout
Morning sun and local smoke dominate the day with a high of 24°C. Tonight cools off to 9°C under clear, smoky skies. The smoke lingers into Saturday, with slightly warmer weather expected through the weekend—perfect for lake visits, if the air clears.
Fort Frances, Emo, Rainy River
Sunny skies and smoke are the story here too. With northwest winds up to 50 km/h, expect some air circulation but continued haze. Highs hit 28°C today. Saturday brings a few clouds with a 30% chance of showers late in the day, but it will still be a warm 27°C. Nights remain mild at 10–12°C.
Winnipeg
Sunny skies and hazy warmth are in store with a hot high of 30°C and a humidex of 31. Northwest winds at 20 km/h gusting to 40 will kick up more smoke tonight. Conditions stay dry through Sunday, with highs soaring to 33°C on June 1.
Toronto & Southern Ontario
A very different scene: sunny early, then a 30% chance of afternoon showers and risk of thunderstorms. Fog patches dissipate by mid-morning. A cooler high of 24°C today with a humidex of 26. West winds will gust up to 50 km/h this evening as skies cloud over. Saturday brings sunshine and a cool breeze with a high of 17°C, so pack a sweater if you’re lake-bound!
Sudbury
It’s a gray and moody day in Sudbury with clouds and a 30% chance of showers lingering into the evening. Temperatures top out at 13°C today, then climb into the high teens and low 20s by Sunday and Monday—worth sticking around for that nickel selfie!
Travel Wardrobe Tips
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Northwestern Ontario & Manitoba: Light, breathable clothing for warm days, but keep a jacket or hoodie for the cooler evenings. Due to smoke, N95 masks, sunglasses, and eye drops might make your trip a lot more comfortable.
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Southern Ontario: Layers and rain gear are your friend today, especially in the GTA. Light jackets will be needed Saturday as cooler air flows in behind today’s system.
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UV Alert: With UV indices ranging from 7–9 across the region, don’t skip the sunscreen and a wide-brim hat if you’re out and about!
Weather Trivia for the Road:
Did you know? The hottest recorded temperature in Winnipeg for May 30 was 34.4°C in 1988. That was during a record-setting heat wave across the Prairies. Looks like 2025 wants to give that record a nudge!
