Above freezing temperatures this week have prompted a water condition update from the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA).
We're being reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks, unstable ice conditions, and cold, swift moving water.
Children and pets should be kept away from the water.
"Subsequent low pressure systems moving across the region this week are forecast to bring mixed precipitation and mild temperatures," Flood Forecasting and Warning Interim Coordinator Emily De Cloet said in a flood outlook statement Tuesday. "Yesterday's (Monday) above-freezing temperatures will continue today (Tuesday), nearing 10°C in some areas before dipping below freezing overnight. Temperatures are forecast to straddle the freezing point throughout the week before a brief cold spell moves in this weekend. The long-term forecast hints at a return to mild temperatures next week, indicating the early beginning of the freshet."
De Cloet noted a chance of rain showers were possible Tuesday, with 2 to 5 millimetres of rain forecast on Wednesday in addition to some snow.
Trace precipitation is also forecast on Thursday and Friday, however some forecasts are indicating closer to 15 mm of rain/snow equivalent over the next five days.
Above freezing temperatures and rainfall on top of snow will reduce the snowpack and lead to increased runoff, ponding, and an increase in water levels; ice conditions are also anticipated to begin deteriorating and may break up in some locations.
No flood watch or warnings have been posted for the region yet.