Hay River, Northwest Territories is set to experience its hottest weather of the week starting Tuesday, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal norms and smoke from wildfires lingering in the area.
According to Environment Canada, the forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high of 28°C on Tuesday, sunny skies and 28°C on Wednesday, followed by 30°C on Thursday. Normally, the July daytime high in Hay River is around 21°C, meaning this stretch will feel 7 to 9 degrees hotter than usual for the community of about 3,200 people.
Along with the heat, local smoke is expected to drift into the region starting late Monday afternoon and continue through the week. While no official air quality or weather alerts are currently in effect, the combination of high temperatures and smoky conditions can make it harder to breathe and increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic health problems.
The NWT Health and Social Services advises residents to drink plenty of water, take breaks in cooler or shady spots, and check on neighbours who may be more vulnerable during hot weather. Outdoor workers and anyone spending time outside should watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headache, or nausea.
Hay River is no stranger to summer weather extremes. The town’s all-time high reached 36.7°C back in 1981, and smoky summers have become more common in recent years as wildfires burn across the territory. Just last August, Hay River was under an air quality advisory along with many other NWT communities when thick smoke blanketed the region.
The heat is expected to ease slightly by the weekend, but residents are encouraged to monitor Environment Canada for any updates as conditions can change quickly.
