Experts are cautioning that cool water temperatures might turn lethal within minutes of submersion when Memorial Day brings beautiful weather to the Northeast.
The weather is better for Memorial Day’s unofficial start of summer after a rare spring nor’easter slashed temperatures throughout the Northeast last week.
On the holiday, some people may swarm to local rivers to enjoy themselves, but NWS meteorologists are warning them to exercise caution because the freezing water temperatures can turn lethal in a matter of minutes.
When a person’s core body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, they are said to be hypothermic.
NWS offices in Gray, Maine, and Burlington, Vermont, released special weather statements on Monday morning cautioning citizens not to “underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures.”
The statements cover Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine in addition to northern New York.
The weather will be ideal for celebrating at lakes and rivers, with highs in the mid 60s and low 70s. However, the lakes and rivers in the area have water temperatures in the 40s or 50s, which might quickly result in hypothermia if someone becomes submerged.
“The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water,” the NWS office in Gray, Maine, stated. “According to the [U.S. Coast Guard], when the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks like buckling a life jacket or operating a radio.”
“Anyone on small boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat,” the statement continued. “Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket!”
Read Also: Kilauea Volcano Erupts in Hawaii, Spews 1,000-Foot Lava Fountain
The area’s rivers are flowing quickly due to recent rainfall and spring snowmelt, in addition to the extremely cold water temperatures.
“The swift water can easily overturn a kayak or canoe into the frigid river waters,” according to the statement. “Once in the cold water, the strong currents will make it difficult to reach safety.”
According to the NWS Climate Prediction Center, warm temperatures are predicted to continue to rise steadily across the Northeast over the following eight to fourteen days. During the same time frame, precipitation is predicted to be below average.
