Le bulletin actuel est disponible en anglais seulement. La version française sera publiée dès qu’elle sera disponible du MRN.
The Ministry of Natural Resources – North Bay District, is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety bulletin is in effect in the district until Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 4:00pm.
Residents in the North Bay District area should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around lakes, rivers, creeks and streams. The forecasted precipitation overnight Friday and throughout Saturday, combined with warming temperatures could impact lower-lying and known flood-prone areas. Please alert and or monitor any children and pets under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities around waterbodies.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Rainfall is expected to move over the northeast region beginning Friday night and continue through Saturday. If the forecast amounts are received, 10-30mm of rain could fall during this period, with locally higher amounts possible if thunderstorms occur. Rainfall is expected to end Saturday evening.
Daytime temperatures are expected to climb above zero, reaching low double digits before dropping back down to freezing by early to mid next week. Nighttime temperatures are forecast to remain above zero for one or two nights before dropping below zero early next week.
Description of Current Conditions
Most forecast precipitation for the region is expected to be captured and held within the existing snowpack; however, the combination of rainfall and warming temperatures could cause some snowmelt and runoff. Nuisance pooling of rainfall on roadways may occur in flood prone and low-lying areas. The current forecast is also expected to deteriorate ice and shoreline conditions. Residents are encouraged to prepare accordingly and keep a close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements and warnings as weather systems can be dynamic, and paths of travel and amount and type of precipitation may change.
This message remains in effect until Thursday, March 12 at 4pm, or until it’s updated.
DEFINITIONS
- WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
- WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
- SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
- SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
- FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.
- FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
LEARN MORE
- Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
- Environment Canada bulletins: weather.gc.ca
- A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.