On one July day, Thunder Bay hit historical highs, reaching record-breaking temperatures near 39 degrees. It beat century-old records set long ago for the month of July. A thick layer of smoky haze drifted in the city that afternoon, sourced from wildfires burning hundreds of kilometres west. Health warnings urged anyone with respiratory issues to avoid going outside. This haze lasted for hours, causing a new set of challenges in the area. Residents from nearby burning zones fled northward in droves, booking nearby lodging here and in nearby communities. When rooms ran scarce, several emergency shelters opened to provide temporary space. Forecasters expect a switch to cooler weather by Thursday. That means temperatures will ease off, and the bad air should clear out as well.