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Paulatuk Mayor Ray Ruben Sr. says people in his community have come to expect unpredictable weather.
Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for Paulatuk, along with Tulı́t’a, Norman Wells, Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake, starting Friday and continuing over the weekend.
The Environment Canada warning states that some areas may see as much as 100 millimetres of rain — more than double a typical rainfall over the entire month of July.
Ruben said they’ve already had to call off a summer camp and are talking with researchers in the community about pausing their work on the lake and on the land.
Mayor Raymond Ruben in Paulatuk, N.W.T., in November 2025. (Liny Lamberink/CBC)
Environment Canada is also warning rain could turn to snow Friday night.
Ruben said this weather is unusual for July, which is usually warm and dry, but it’s not unheard of.
“I can remember talking about experiencing four different types of weather in the month of July, including snow,” he said.
“It’s something we come to expect as the weather’s become so unpredictable now.”
Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells, Tulı́t’a and Colville Lake could also see the heavy rain turn to snow.
The Environment Canada warning states that some flooding is likely and some roads may become impassable.
It recommends avoiding non-essential travel, staying away from low-lying areas as well as creeks, rivers and culverts.