KENORA – WEATHER – Those wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia are going to impact weather in the Kenora region. A special air quality alert is currently in effect for Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region due to smoke from wildfires in the Canadian Prairies.
Residents are experiencing reduced air quality and visibility, with current conditions marked by smoke as observed at Kenora Airport.
Current Weather Conditions:
- Temperature: 11.5°C
- Condition: Smoke
- Humidity: 63%
- Wind: Northwest at 13 km/h, increasing to 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h
- Visibility: 10 km
- Pressure: 100.1 kPa, tendency rising
Health and Safety Recommendations:
- Stay Informed: Monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for updates on air quality.
- Reduce Outdoor Activities: Especially if you experience discomfort or irritation. Higher-risk groups such as people with lung or heart conditions, older adults, children, and pregnant individuals should take extra precautions.
- Use Air Purifiers: If indoors, use HEPA air cleaners and set HVAC systems to recirculate with a high-rated MERV filter.
- Seal Your Environment: Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering if temperatures allow.
- Wear Respirators Outdoors: Use N95 masks or equivalent to filter out fine particles from the smoke.
- Reduce Indoor Pollutants: Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution such as smoking, using incense, or extensive frying.
Weekend and Early Week Weather Outlook:
- Sunday, May 12: Mixed sun and cloud with local smoke. High of 16°C and a UV index of 6. Evening low of 2°C with mainly cloudy skies.
- Monday, May 13: Mainly cloudy with clearing in the late afternoon. High of 14°C with a moderate UV index of 5. Night will clear to a low of 3°C.
- Tuesday, May 14: Sunny with a high of 19°C. Cloudy overnight with a low of 9°C.
Coping with Smoke Exposure:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help your body deal with the smoke.
- Mental Health: Pay attention to feelings of stress or anxiety. Contact a mental health professional if needed or visit Wellness Together Canada for resources.
- Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that those who are at greater risk or live alone are safe and have the necessary information and resources to protect their health.
Additional Resources:
For more detailed information on reducing health risks and managing indoor air quality during smoke events, visit airhealth.ca.
