On a recent July day, Thunder Bay hit historical highs, reaching unprecedented temperatures of 39°C. That topped century-old records set long ago for the month of July. A thick layer of smoky haze settled over the city for hours, sourced from wildfires burning hundreds of kilometres west. Health warnings urged anyone with respiratory issues to limit outdoor time. The smoke lingered for hours, causing a new set of problems in the region. Residents from nearby evacuation areas fled northward in droves, booking nearby lodging here and in nearby communities. With no vacancies left, several emergency facilities opened to handle the influx. Forecasters predict a switch to more moderate temperatures by Thursday. That means temperatures will drop a few degrees, and the hazardous smoke should cause a shift in conditions as well.