Residents in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, are facing a double weather threat to start the week, with Environment Canada warning of poor air quality from wildfire smoke and a risk of thunderstorms bringing heavy rain and hail.
Environment Canada issued a yellow air quality warning early Monday, July 20, 2026, for the city and nearby St. Joseph Island. Smoke drifting from fires in northwestern Ontario is expected to reduce visibility and make the air unhealthy to breathe, especially for people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and those who work outdoors. Officials advise those groups to cut back on strenuous outdoor activities and watch for symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, or headaches, and to seek medical attention for more serious symptoms such as wheezing or chest pains. Conditions are expected to improve by Monday afternoon.
At the same time, a low-pressure system moving across Ontario is bringing a chance of thunderstorms both Monday and Tuesday. The 7-day forecast shows a 40 percent chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms Monday, with a high of 24°C and a humidex of 30. On Tuesday, the storm risk continues with another 40 percent chance of showers, but temperatures will drop sharply to a high of just 18°C.
“Clusters of strong storms east of Lake Superior are expected through Monday afternoon and into the evening, with heavy rain and hail as the main threats,” The Weather Network reported. By Tuesday, the risk shifts south, but Environment Canada’s forecast for Sault Ste. Marie shows gusty northwest winds up to 60 km/h.
There is a silver lining in the forecast. Starting Wednesday, skies are expected to clear, with sunny days and highs climbing back to 19°C on Wednesday and a more seasonal 24°C by Thursday.
Adding to the fire risk, an open-air burning ban has been in place across the city since July 16, and emergency officials are urging everyone to respect the restrictions.
