As Memorial Day ushers in pleasant weather across the Northeast, experts are warning people that cold water temperatures could become dangerous in minutes of being submerged.

After a rare spring nor'easter plunged temperatures across the Northeast last week, the weather is more favorable for the unofficial start to summer on Memorial Day. Some people might flock to area rivers to recreate on the holiday and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are urging them to be careful as frigid water temperatures can become dangerous in minutes.

Hypothermia is a medical condition that occurs when one's core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

On Monday morning, NWS offices in Burlington, Vermont, and Gray, Maine, issued special weather statements warning people not to "underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures."

The statements extend from northern New York through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Air temperatures will hit the upper 60s and lower 70s, making it the perfect weather to celebrate at lakes and rivers. However, water temperatures are in the 40s or 50s across the region's lakes and rivers, which could cause hypothermia in minutes once someone becomes submerged.

"The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water," the NWS office in Gray, Maine, said in the statement. "According to the [U.S. Coast Guard], when the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks like buckling a life jacket or operating a radio."

"Anyone on small boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat," the statement added. "Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket!"

In addition to frigid water temperatures, spring snowmelt and recent rainfall is causing area rivers to run fast with swift currents.

"The swift water can easily overturn a kayak or canoe into the frigid river waters," the statement said. "Once in the cold water, the strong currents will make it difficult to reach safety."

The NWS in Burlington, Vermont, told Newsweek: "Water takes a lot longer than the land to warm up. That's why in May, when we see land temperatures average closer to 70 degrees, the water temperatures might still be around 50 degrees. Typically, by late June, early July is when they're warm relatively for up here."

NWS Burlington, in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "Finally! Sunshine & warmer temperatures are expected across the North Country today w/ highs in the low 70s. For those considering boating on area waterways, keep in mind that water temperatures remain in the 40s on area lakes & rivers. This can pose a hidden danger for boaters."

NWS Gray, in a post on X on Saturday: "Better weather is on the way for the second part of your Holiday Weekend with more sun and warmer temperatures, but that doesn't mean it's safe to jump in just yet. Water temperatures of the lakes and rivers are still in the 50s, and the ocean is still in the 40s!"

Water temperatures will likely continue to warm gradually as warm temperatures are expected in the next eight to 14 days across the Northeast, according to the NWS Climate Prediction Center. Below-average precipitation is expected during the same time period.