Active AlertsNaples, ME

The warm air temperatures this weekend in the lower 70s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only in the upper 30s and lower 40s across Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, and in the region's smaller lakes and rivers. The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high. 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! Breezy winds are also expected this weekend with gusts up to 25 mph from the southwest. If boating on large bodies of water, these winds can increase the likelihood of overturning your boat, canoe, or kayak due to increased wave heights. Due to rain, area rivers continue to run fast with swift water currents. The swift water can easily overturn a kayak or canoe into the frigid river waters. Once in the cold water, the strong currents will make it difficult to reach safety.