Environment Canada has issued a Gale Warning for the Western Lake Ontario marine area, including Port Whitby, Ontario, for March 12, 2026. This alert was triggered after sustained winds were reported at 35 knots as of 3:00 a.m. Thursday, creating hazardous conditions for anyone on the water.
A Gale Warning is officially issued when sustained wind speeds are between 34 and 47 knots, which is about 62 to 87 kilometres per hour. Residents and boaters should expect very choppy water and significant spray along the shoreline while these winds remain strong.
While the west winds are expected to slow down on Thursday evening, winds are forecast to shift to the southeast and pick up again by Friday morning. Small boat owners and waterfront operators are encouraged to keep a close eye on local weather reports and stay off the lake until the warning is removed.
Current forecasts suggest that wind speeds will drop to around 15 knots this evening before climbing back up to 25 knots from the southeast on Friday morning. Mariners are advised to delay their departures from the harbour to ensure their safety during these high-wind periods.
