Cooler weather has put a bit of a chill on some of the usual summer fun.
The Sylvan Lake area is averaging three to four degrees Celsius cooler this summer than in 2018.
Two events this summer have warned participants the lake water is cold. Jaws at the Lake on Aug. 4 had signs posted for those watching the film from the water to swim at their own risk, as the cold water posed a hypothermia risk.
During the Multi-Sport at the Lake this past weekend, swimmers had to wear a wetsuit, and the swimming portion was cut out of the children’s events.
Graeme Strathdee with the Sylvan Lake Watershed Stewardship Society says it is all because of the cooler-than-normal temperatures.
“Basically, the main reason is the surface layer of the lake reacts very quickly to the air temperature,” Strathdee said.
When the surface layer of water becomes cold, it becomes dense and sinks, creating a new surface layer. The cycle then continues.
While the lake temperature is not measured regularly enough to secure an accurate reading, Strathdee says there will be a two or three degree difference than normal.
“With the colder weather, you can bet it’ll be a bit colder when you go swimming,” he said.