Arctic regional marine guide

Long before the daily forecast or the science of meteorology, satellites and computers existed, people were able to predict the weather to some degree, simply by watching the clouds. A combination of pattern recognition, association, environmental sensitivity, and common sense gave our ancestors all they needed about the weather to come. Most of these words of weather wisdom, passed down over the ages, are true much of the time; however, exceptions exist because each saying was based on a particular region. Variations in the direction of motion, time of year, local topography, and the unpredictability of some weather situations can change the expected outcome.

This guide contains information on local weather effects for the waters of the Canadian Arctic that are identified as “marine transportation corridors,” including the Beaufort Sea, Kitikmeot Coast, High Arctic, Foxe Basin, Hudson Strait, Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, Great Slave Lake, Mackenzie River, and Hudson Bay. It is intended for use only during the active (open-water) marine season.

This guide will provide mariners with practical information and advice on safe navigation on the wide range of weather conditions they may encounter while traveling in Canadian waters. It is recommended that you download and read the MET 101 portion of the National Marine Weather Guide first in order to better understand the meteorological concepts, local weather, wind, sea state, and ice conditions described in the Arctic Regional Marine Guide.