Cooler temperatures are helping to slow the snow melt process in New Brunswick that has caused flooding in Fredericton and other areas along the St. John River.

On Thursday, high water levels prompted the province's Emergency Measures Organization to keep in place a flood warning for the lower St. John River.

But Karl Wilmot, assistant river watch coordinator for the EMO, told CTV.ca Thursday afternoon that officials expect a continuation of cooling temperatures over the next four to five days.

As a result, water flows will begin to level off by Friday in Fredericton.

"We are forecasting a slight decrease in water levels for Fredericton for Saturday and that effect will be moving down river," said Wilmot.

In Fredericton, the river reached the bases of some buildings including a hotel and art gallery on Thursday.

Earlier, residents of the area had prepared for the worst, moving valuables into upper floors of their homes in fear of the rising waters.

In both Oromocto and Fredericton, a number of people have also registered at Red Cross reception centres but there are a "very minimal number of people" staying at housing centres, said Wilmot.

In Maugerville, southeast of Fredericton, the river has risen to cover parts of Route 105, the former Trans-Canada Highway.

"We have some homes in the Maugerville area that are being affected, mainly flooded basements," said Wilmot. "We haven't had anybody have to be taken from their homes or anything like that by members of first responder groups -- fire and police."

As the water moves downstream, Maugerville will get Fredericton's water but by Monday residents there should get a slight decrease in levels, said Wilmot.

In the lowest reaches, from Jemseg to Saint John, water levels will continue to increase as flood waters travel downstream.

Every spring, the St. John River floods to varying degrees. This year's flooding is worse than 2006 and 2007 but not as bad as 2005.

The heavy snowfall over the winter is being blamed as the main reason for the higher than normal flooding.

Flooding in Quebec

Meanwhile, in St. Canut, Que., at least 40 people have been forced to leave their homes because of flooding.

Yohan Ross' home is surrounded by water and his entire basement is flooded.

A pump has kept the water from flooding the first floor.

"It's gone up a lot," Ross told CTV News, referring to the water levels.

In Lachute, Que., highways are covered with water and 54 homes have been hit by flooding.

As long as it doesn't rain, public security officials say the situation should improve in the coming days.