Most local beaches safe for swimming over expected warm weekend

Forecasts show rare beach weather in store for southern Ontario this weekend – and local beaches are ready for an influx of sun-seekers.

Beaches at Guelph Lake and Rockwood had tested over the limit regarding E. coli levels earlier in the week, and as a result were “posted” – meaning swimming isn’t recommended and could be done only at the swimmers’ own risk.

Friday, new tests found more acceptable E. coli levels, and the postings were removed.

All other beaches monitored by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health are open for swimming.

In Waterloo Region, Laurel Creek is ready for swimmers while Shade’s Mill remains posted, as it has been since the beginning of the month.

The Perth District Health Unit reports that Wildwood Lake is posted while the St. Marys Quarry is safe for swimming.

All beaches in Brantford and Brant County are safe for swimming, as are all Oxford County beaches other than the posted Pittock Reservoir.

With most beaches ripe for the swimming and warm weather in the forecast, we could be in for one of the most summer-like weekends of the year.

Forecasts for Huron-Perth and Waterloo Wellington call for partly cloudy conditions Saturday, and a risk of showers in the afternoon, with a high of 24 C.

A further warmup will occur Sunday, with temperatures predicted to reach 26 C amidst sunny conditions.

In Grey-Bruce, a Saturday high of 24 C will be accompanied by a 40 per cent chance of showers around dinnertime, but they’ll move out in time for a sunny Sunday with a high of 27 C.

Oxford-Brant will see fog and potential showers leave the area Saturday morning, leaving behind partly cloudy conditions and a high of 25 C, with temperatures warming up to 26 C on a sunny Sunday.