Boaters and residents in Whitby, Ontario, should prepare for breezy conditions on the water as Environment Canada is calling for wind speeds to reach 20 knots by Friday morning, April 24, 2026.
The forecast suggests that winds will shift to the east, with waves on Western Lake Ontario expected to build up to 1.5 metres. While these conditions reach the threshold typically associated with wind advisories, no official watches or warnings are in effect for the region. This is because the agency’s seasonal strong wind warning program, which typically covers wind speeds between 20 and 33 knots, only runs from May 1 to November 30.
The upcoming weather pattern is expected to fluctuate over the weekend. Following the winds on Friday, a similar increase to 20 knots is expected again on Saturday morning before conditions settle into lighter winds by Sunday. Currently, the lake remains ice-free.
These changing conditions arrive just before the local boating season begins. The Port Whitby Marina, which features 420 slips, is set to open for the 2026 season on May 1. Mariners using the public boat ramp at 650 Gordon St., which can accommodate three trailers at once, are encouraged to keep these wind and wave forecasts in mind when planning their time on the water.
For those interested in the official guidelines surrounding marine safety, further information can be found through the Canadian marine warning program documentation.
