Environment Canada has issued a yellow air quality warning for Thompson, Manitoba, on Monday, July 20, 2026, due to ongoing poor air quality from wildfire smoke. The forecast also carries a risk of thunderstorms.
The yellow air quality warning, jointly issued by Environment Canada and Manitoba Health, took effect at 3:14 p.m. CDT and covers Thompson, Thicket Portage, and Pikwitonei. It warns that smoke from fires in northern Saskatchewan and northern Manitoba is reducing visibility and making the air unhealthy. Residents are being told to limit outdoor time and keep their windows shut.
The forecast shows a 30 percent chance of showers early this evening, with a risk of thunderstorms. Tuesday will bring a mix of sun and cloud, another 30 percent chance of afternoon showers, and a thunderstorm risk. Gusty winds from the north up to 50 km/h are expected this evening before easing late at night. Smoke will stick around through tonight and Tuesday.
The alerts come as a major wildfire burns just 14 kilometres from Thompson. Fire NO061 has grown to 22,760 hectares and remains out of control, according to provincial fire bulletins. The province is under a state of emergency, with more than one million hectares burned in what is the worst wildfire season in 30 years.
Nationally, nearly 1,000 wildfires are burning, with over 200 out of control. Prime Minister Mark Carney has called it one of the most intense seasons in Canadian history. In northern Manitoba, the remote community of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation was evacuated in late June, forcing about 600 people from their homes.
Environment Canada advises anyone in the warning area to stay indoors if possible and watch for changing weather conditions.
