A strong wind warning from Environment Canada is in effect for Western Lake Ontario, bringing strong winds and building waves to the Port Whitby area from Monday night through Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Winds will pick up from light conditions on Monday to southeast 10 knots in the afternoon, then increase to south 15 knots near midnight. By Tuesday morning, winds will reach southwest 20 knots, shifting to northwest 20 knots by evening. Waves of 0.5 metres or less will build to 1 metre near noon on Tuesday, with scattered showers and a risk of thunderstorms in the forecast.
The warning, issued at 10:30 a.m. Monday, covers the western end of Lake Ontario, including the waters off Port Whitby Marina. The 420-slip, award-winning marina operated by the Town of Whitby is a hub for recreational and small craft boaters on Lake Ontario’s northern shore. Mariners are advised to secure vessels and avoid heading out during these conditions, which are considered hazardous for small craft operations.
The marine warning system is active from May 1 to November 30 for the Great Lakes, as outlined by Environment Canada’s warning program. Strong wind warnings are triggered when sustained winds of 20 to 33 knots, excluding gusts, are expected—well within Tuesday’s forecast.
A departing high-pressure system over Pennsylvania and a low-pressure system moving from northern Ontario toward James Bay are creating the unstable weather pattern. Boaters and waterfront residents should monitor updates from Environment Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, and plan to stay off the lake until conditions improve.
