Warm weather, dry conditions mean little concern for Thames River: LTVCA
Some unseasonably warm temperatures shouldn't pose an issue for the Thames River, thanks to mostly dry conditions as of late, say conservation authority officials.
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Some unseasonably warm temperatures shouldn’t pose an issue for the Thames River, thanks to mostly dry conditions as of late, say conservation authority officials.
Environment Canada reported a high of 16 C for Chatham-Kent and surrounding areas Wednesday, and, with the exception of this Friday, expected above-freezing values expected into next week. There remained a chance of precipitation during the next few days.
Jason Wintermute, manager of watershed and information services, told The Daily News that so far conditions aren’t causing any problems.
“There currently aren’t any concerns for the Thames. Recent warm temperatures have melted out all the ice on the river and there is little snow left in the Lower Thames,” he said, adding there still “looks to be some” in the upper Thames watershed.
“Just warm temperatures and no rain aren’t going to cause any flooding concerns for the river.”
It has been a far different month weather-wise compared to February 2019, when the river’s lower stretch experienced a jam at its mouth.
This caused a drastic rise in water levels that prompted Chatham-Kent officials to declare a localized state of emergency as a precaution.
With crews keeping a close watch, the situation eventually stabilized and the worst was avoided. However, dikes still needed to be repaired in several spots in West Kent.
Wednesday’s warm air system, which saw temperatures rise into the mid-teens, had another impact, as it helped create blustery conditions in Chatham-Kent and the rest of the region.
Environment Canada’s wind warning had been upgraded from the special weather statement that was previously in effect.
With wind gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour, there was some damage reported to trees and property.
The winds weakened over the course of the day.
The mercury is expected to drop to 5 C Thursday, and then to -1 C Friday, with a chance of flurries.
However, this weekend will see temperatures rising to 8 C, before dipping to around the freezing mark starting Tuesday.
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