National Weather Service issues cold water warning with hot Memorial Day weekend forecast

The National Weather Service has issued a cold water safety warning with warm temps forecast for St. Lawrence County as people head out for recreational activities.

The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid 80s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only in the lower 50s in the regions smaller lakes and rivers, NWS says.

The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water, the service says. When the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could loose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks.

Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket.

Skies will be sunny today with highs near 82 and light winds, NWS says. Overnight the low will be around 55.

The forecast through next Saturday is as follows:

Memorial Day

Sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 83. West wind around 7 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 86. West wind 6 to 8 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 61. South wind around 6 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 88. West wind around 8 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind around 7 mph.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 6 to 8 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Light and variable wind.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 74. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming north in the afternoon.