The Canadian Coast Guard says ice has yet to form in Lake Huron.
Icebreaking Operations Officer Mike Brown, speaking to Blackburn News Sarnia from the regional operations centre in Montreal, said right now it's open water throughout the lake.
"The water temperatures are slightly above normal," said Brown. "We're looking at about 2.7 degrees Celsius which is a little bit above normal, however, throughout the month of January the temperature's going to be dropping pretty quickly and we'll expect it to be probably down about one degree and close to freezing towards the end of the month."
Brown said it is a little bit late, but hasn't deviated too far from normal.
"Back in 2014 and 2016, we had higher surface water temperatures than we do right now. But again, it will be cooling down pretty fast in the coming weeks. So, I'd expect some ice to start to develop probably in the next week or two."
Brown said two vessels are on their way back to the area to assist with icebreaking.
"The Griffon's on its way from Port Colborne towards the Detroit River and we also have the Samuel Risley. Once the Soo Locks close on the 15th of the month, then we'll have the Samuel Risley back down towards the Sarnia area."
Brown said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is expecting 80 per cent ice coverage in Lake Erie by the end of February.