Strong wind warning issued for western Lake Superior near Thunder Bay
A three-day stretch of mild weather is forecast for Thunder Bay, but boaters are warned of hazardous conditions offshore.
THUNDER BAY — Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a strong wind warning for offshore waters of western Lake Superior near Thunder Bay.
The warning, which defines strong winds as sustained winds of 20 to 33 knots, is in effect as a mild three-day stretch of weather begins for the city.
"Small boats, canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft face their greatest risk Monday morning and again Tuesday afternoon," the marine bulletin stated.
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Offshore waves are forecast to be about two metres Monday morning, subsiding to one metre near noon and half a metre or less by evening.
Waves are expected to build again to one metre late Monday night and reach about 1.5 metres Tuesday afternoon.
The agency notes that a 1.5-metre open-lake wave can make conditions uncomfortable or unsafe for smaller vessels, "particularly when wind and waves are against the boat."
While the harbour may be calmer due to the breakwater and shoreline shelter, the bulletin warns that does not mean the open lake is safe.
"Conditions can change quickly outside the harbour entrance, around exposed points and near islands," it said.
"Harbour users should also watch for gusts and choppy water when leaving protected areas. A calm launch area can give a misleading impression of conditions farther offshore."
Thunder Bay itself is forecast for a mix of sun and cloud Monday, a warmer Tuesday and a chance of showers Wednesday, with no active land-based weather alerts.
The latest observation from Thunder Bay Airport at 1:00 a.m. EDT Monday was 5 C with west winds at 9 km/h and visibility of 24 kilometres.
The Air Quality Health Index was at a low risk level of 1 at 6:00 a.m. Monday, with a forecast maximum of 2 for Monday, Monday night, Tuesday and Tuesday night.
"People can continue normal outdoor activities," the report said, adding that anyone with heart or lung conditions should follow their regular medical advice.
Periods of rain are ending early Monday, with scattered showers expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.
After Tuesday's southwest winds, northwest winds near 20 knots are expected Wednesday.
Thursday brings west winds near 15 knots, veering to northwest 20 knots, and Friday winds are expected to be northwest 15 knots, easing later in the day.
The marine bulletin does not identify a specific fog restriction for this period but notes visibility can fall quickly in rain.
Environment Canada issued the Thunder Bay forecast at 6:33 p.m. EDT Sunday, noting forecasts may change as the next weather system develops.
Your Space Hamilton reported Sunday that a strong wind warning was also in effect for western Lake Superior, with gusts up to 50 km/h expected.