The Hay River area is experiencing smoky conditions this Monday, July 6, 2026, but skies are expected to clear for a warm week ahead. Environment Canada’s morning forecast calls for local smoke, with a high of 21 C and a UV index of 5, or moderate.
According to the Environment Canada forecast, the smoke will linger through tonight under a few clouds and a low of 10 C. Conditions should then improve as the week goes on.
There is no air quality alert in place for the Hay River region as of midday Monday, even with the smoke noted in the forecast. However, residents with breathing issues or other health concerns are advised to pay attention to changing air quality, especially during the smoky morning hours.
The smoke is tied to active wildfires in the Northwest Territories. Fire SS019, located about 20 kilometres west of Hay River, has been burning within a 2023 burn area. Town officials previously said the fire was a low risk to the community. The territory saw more than 50 new fires detected in a single week in late June.
Looking ahead, Tuesday will be sunny with a high of 21 C. Wednesday will see increasing cloudiness but a warmer high of 24 C. Thursday will be cloudy with a high near 18 C, following a 60 percent chance of showers Wednesday night. Sunny weather returns Friday with a high of 22 C, while Saturday and Sunday bring a mix of sun and cloud with highs of 23 and 24 C.
Observations at the Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport around noon Monday showed partly cloudy skies, a temperature of 18.9 C, humidity of 35 percent, and visibility at 24 kilometres.
