CAUTION: These maps do not take into account hydrologic connectivity. Wind direction is a significant factor for the Lake Michigan water temperature. 11.2, [12], Some of the most studied early human inhabitants of the Lake Michigan region were the Hopewell Native Americans. [24], Hydrologically Michigan and Huron are the same body of water (sometimes called Lake Michigan-Huron) but are normally considered distinct. This formation lies 40 feet (12m) below the surface of the lake. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. 25.2, This makes for pleasant swimming but curbs its temperature moderation along the shore. Severe Weather Preparedness The lakes were frozen 11 days later and thawed seven days sooner. 32.7, . The Straits of Mackinac were an important Native American and fur trade route. Sharma co-authored a startling article entitled Forecasting the Permanent Loss of Lake Ice in the Northern Hemisphere Within the 21st Century. Lake Michigan fishing in the late spring is productive in the early morning, midday, and late evening. Commercial tug-and-barge traffic on these waterways is heavy. Fish go to the shallow waters of Lake Michigan and rivers in the fall. US Dept of Commerce With an average temperature of roughly 59F, Lake Superior is at an all-time high for this time of year. Fisheries in inland waters of the United States are small compared to marine fisheries. [6][27], It is the larger half of Lake MichiganHuron, which is the largest body of fresh water in the world by surface area.
Data Download - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 11.4], See our affiliate disclosure for details. February is the coolest with 25.3F / -3.7C average air temperature. Whihala Beach in Whiting, IN. We use data from various local authorities in each specific location of the world to more accurately reflect temperature values. Lake Superior's long-term average surface water temperature is around 46 degrees now, but the lake is. Here, you will find yourself walking on the singing sands of the shore or feasting your eyes on the beautiful blue waters of the lake. 6.8, ', 'AVG', 'Min. Current Conditions You would have to be insane or getting paid to want to get in water this cold! Humidity. The weather is getting warmer in summer, so fish become more active during this time of the year. The Chicago Tribune reported that BP is a major polluter, dumping thousands of pounds of raw sludge into the lake every day from its Whiting, Indiana, oil refinery. Exactly a year ago, on this day, the water temperature in this location was 32F. The best time of a day to fish for steelhead in Lake Michigan in December is between morning and afternoon. Based on average water temperature observations over the past ten years, the warmest water temperature in Lake Michigan in June was 67.3F (in Green Bay), and the coldest 51.1F (in Algoma). All NOAA, More water level information from water.weather.gov.
Lake Michigan Sea Temperature | October Average | United States Also, water cools down in the afternoon during hot months. If you visit in the warm months, then the kids can enjoy plenty of fun in the sun on the shores of the beach.
Water temperature in Grand Traverse Bay today | MI, United States temp Small dune formations can be found on the western shore of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park, and moderate-sized dune formations can be found in Kohler-Andrae State Park and Point Beach State Forest in Wisconsin. 52.2, Drought Monitor, Past Weather Aviation This is likely to lead to decreasing native habitat and to adversely affect native species survival, including game fish. Great Lakes Basin (U.S.) Precipitation Trends, Photos of Whiting, IN from Jerry Robert Smith on Nov 11, 2019, Two right photos of Chicago, IL from Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Nov 30, 2019. format: '#F'}, Today water temperature in Lake Michigan is 35.4F. Lake Michigan is one of the largest lakes in North America and is home to some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the country. The water temperature in. 5.5, vAxes: { 0: {gridlines: {color: 'black'}, Lake Michigan water temperature right now Below are the cities and resorts in Lake Michigan with the values of water temperature today and yesterday. To the east, its basin is conjoined with that of Lake Huron through the .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}3+12 miles (5.6 kilometres) wide, 295 feet (90 metres; 49 fathoms) deep,[8] Straits of Mackinac, giving it the same surface elevation as its easterly counterpart; the two are technically a single lake. 7], WaterTemperature.net All Rights Reserved. 65.7, [ Beaver Island] [ Escanaba] [ Leland] [ Frankfort] [ Manistee] [ Ludington] [ Pentwater]
Statistics - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Every fall, the lake experiences a turnover a mixing of the layers that results in similar temperatures throughout. If the lakes dont freeze over during the winter months the open water provides cold prevailing winds a source of moisture for snow. 33.3, 71.6, [26] Lake Michigan has a surface area of 22,404sqmi (58,030km2); (13,237 square miles (34,280km2) lying in Michigan,[6] 7,358 square miles (19,060km2) in Wisconsin, 234 square miles (610km2) in Indiana, & 1,576 square miles (4,080km2) in Illinois) making it the largest lake entirely within one country by surface area (Lake Baikal in Russia is larger by water volume) and the fifth-largest lake in the world. Also indicated are the maximum and minimum temperatures in July for these locations based on observations over the past 10 years. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 36.9F / 2.7C. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lake Erie, please check out this helpful article. [ Northern Region] [ Central Northern Region] [ Central Region] [ Central Southern Region] [ Southern Region] Lake Michigan Port Images. Privacy Policy Lake Michigan Surface Water Temperature Map. 48.6, Earths lakes are warming at a feverish pace, with the Great Lakes leading the way Its looking more and more like the Great Lakes water temps are experiencing setting new records due to the effects of higher temperatures in the region. For ease of search, all places are also grouped by the first letter of the name. October was the hottest on record in a number of areas. A few small cruise ships operate on Lake Michigan, including a couple of sailing ships. As a result, salmonids, including various strains of brown trout, steelhead (rainbow trout), coho and chinook salmon, were introduced as predators in order to decrease the wildlife population. As air temperatures trend upward, global lake surface water temperatures (LSWT) have warmed by an average of 0.21 C/decade 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really cut my teeth fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Lake Michigan's deepest region, which lies in its northern half, is called Chippewa Basin (named after prehistoric Lake Chippewa) and is separated from South Chippewa Basin by a relatively shallower area called the Mid Lake Plateau.[28][29]. Ice fishing has to be done in shallow waters. In general, this water temperature is unacceptable for swimming. El Nino Oftentimes, largemouth bass bites well on Indianas shoreline and near rocky areas. Air temperatures in Michigan vary from 18F to 34F during the winter months. However, anglers cant spend too much time fishing if they choose to start their adventures in the afternoon. NOAA is reporting that water temperature is running 6 to 10 degrees above normal, resulting in setting new records on lakes Michigan-Huron, Erie, and Ontario. ['November', var chart_waterF = document.getElementById('chart_waterF'); The Lake Michigan Water Temperatures also happen to be at their warmest in July and August, reaching highs of up to 70 degrees, making water activities perfect. Afrikaans; ; ; Asturianu; Azrbaycanca; ; Bn-lm-g; ; ; ; Bosanski [9], Lake Michigan is the only one of the five Great Lakes located fully in the United States; the other four are shared between the United States and Canada. Photos will be available to all users after verification by the moderator. Lightning ['August', Surface data comes from NDBC buoy 45007. [20] In 2007, a row of stones paralleling an ancient shoreline was discovered by Mark Holley, professor of underwater archeology at Northwestern Michigan College. The Mackinac Bridge is generally considered the dividing line between them. Lake Superior is one of the fastest-warming bodies of water on the planet. 11.7, The total amount of shipping on the lakes has been on a downward trend for several years. You may have heard #LakeMichigan is warmer than usual for this . The sun's rays warm the water closest to the lake's surface while the deeper water remains . Monthly Lake Michigan water temperature chart. Water temperature in Grand Traverse Bay is . Lake Michigan Beach Forecast Erie. For example, 90% of the grain shipped from Chicago traveled by ships east over Lake Michigan during the antebellum years. Yellow perch is the main target on Lake Michigan during the winter months. There is also some shipping of liquid and containerized cargo, but most container vessels cannot pass the locks on the Saint Lawrence Seaway because the ships are too wide. Experimental Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook, Lake Michigan and Huron Operational Forecasting System (LMHOFS), onthly mean lakewide average water levels, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Photos of Juneway Beach in Rogers Park, IL (Cook County, north side of Chicago) from David Seal on Oct 31, 2019, Photos of Whiting, IN from Jerry Robert Smith on Oct 31, 2019, Webcam view of wave action during Nov 30, 2019, Lakefront Bike Path at Schiller looking South Nov 30, 2019, Lakefront Bike Path at Schiller looking North on Nov 30, 2019. Lake Huron average water temperature this. [14] During the 1640s and 1650s, the Beaver Wars over the fur trade with the European colonies, initiated by the Iroquois, forced a massive demographic shift as their western neighbors fled the violence. During the summer, water warms and stratifies, or separates into layers warmer, lighter water on top, and colder, heavier water on the bottom. Based on average water temperature observations over the past ten years, the warmest water temperature in Lake Michigan in July was 74.3F (in Green Bay), and the coldest 63.3F (in Kewaunee). [16], With the advent of European exploration into the area in the late 17th century, Lake Michigan became used as part of a line of waterways leading from the Saint Lawrence River to the Mississippi River and thence to the Gulf of Mexico. In this capacity, the Great Lakes CoastWatch program obtains, produces, and delivers environmental data and products for near real-time monitoring of the Great Lakes to support . The primary driver of water levels are precipitation, evaporation, and river flow into the lakes, also referred to as "net basin supply." 40.5: 52.3: 67.3: 70.5: 66.7: 54.7: 46.6: 40.3: Monthly average max / min water temperatures. Since the summer, abnormally high air temperatures have raised Great Lakes water temperatures. The long term trend for both precipitation and evaporation has been upward over the last several decades. Lake Michigan located in the northern hemisphere, at latitude 43 degrees. Lake Michigan beaches in Northern Michigan are the only place in the world, aside from a few inland lakes in that region, where Petoskey stones, the Michigan state stone, can be found.[39]. Lower Saginaw Bay is expected to reach 80F later this week. The beaches of the western coast and the northernmost part of the east coast are often rocky, with some sandy beaches. The biggest surprise is Lake Superior with water temps near 70F along the western shore near Duluth, Ashland, and Ontonagon. Great Lakes Marine Portal For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Lake Michigan, check out this article. This is noticeable after heavy rain or after prolonged periods of strong winds. It was originally home to lake whitefish, lake trout, yellow perch, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bowfin, as well as some species of catfish. Despite their vast size, large sections of the Great Lakes freeze in winter, interrupting most shipping. Average Temperature in Lake Michigan Beach The warm season lasts for 3.7 months, from May 29 to September 19, with an average daily high temperature above 71F.
Water temperature in Lake Michigan (United States) in September 36.3, This program was so successful that the introduced population of trout and salmon exploded, resulting in the creation of a large sport fishery for these introduced species. Lake Michigan does not freeze completely during the winter months. In this article, we will discover the best times of day to fish Lake Michigan for a variety of species. The season to fish for smallmouth bass is high between early May and July. Significant events (such as January 11, 2020) now have the potential to flood roadways and structures near the shore that are typically not at risk. Lake Superior has stayed warmer than average throughout this year, including now. July, June, August, September would be the best time to visit. OAR series: { September: Its possible to catch a trophy Chinook salmon in September. In 2002, 162million net tons of dry bulk cargo were moved via the Lakes. Whilst sea temperatures for Lake Michigan are as accurate as current data allows, there may be slight local and regional variations depending on conditions. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. Weather Indiana Dunes National Park's weather is greatly affected by Lake Michigan and can change quickly. In October 1986, Lakes Michigan and Huron reached their highest level at 5.92 feet (1.80m) above datum. 100%. Winter steelhead bites well in the lake from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. February: Its possible to fish for rainbow trout and brown trout in the late winter. [Sheboygan] 18.7, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, website, https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/glcfs/. Their culture declined after 800 AD and for the next few hundred years, the region was the home of peoples known as the Late Woodland Native Americans. The lake fluctuates from month to month with the highest lake levels typically occurring in summer. 22,
A warmer lake could also potentially lead to a longer lake effect snow season, as it will take longer for the lake to cool off to freezing temps and begin to create ice cover.. Anglers receive meals and drinks during full-day fishing trips as well. The coldest month is March with an water temperature of 32.9F / 0.5C. Since then, I've lived across the country and have continued learning about fishing. Air temperatures in Michigan vary from 33F to 72F during the fall months. The water heats up and the activity of fish increases. In general, the swimming season ends in September. 44.6, It makes sense to fish in Muskegon Lake port. Water warms up during springtime and fishing is getting better. To find out the sea temperature today and in the coming days, go to Current sea temperature in Lake Michigan Lake Michigan surface temperature in July The fish will bite well during warm days. May: Water is getting warmer in Michigan in the late spring, so anglers get more bites. The French explorer Jean Nicolet is believed to have been the first European to reach Lake Michigan, possibly in 1634 or 1638. Lake levels are now high enough to impact more inland areas, such as protected harbors and overbank areas along some rivers. Lake Michigan's average water temperature reached 75.1 degrees on July 8, nearly 11 degrees above normal, and the warmest mark on record so early in the year. According to the study, lakes lose around 17 days of ice cover every century on average. The bar chart below shows the average monthly sea temperatures at Lake Michigan over the year. A lot of largemouth bass can be found in the tributaries of Lake Michigan. Notice that temperatures follow a seasonal pattern that repeats yearly. 2.7, [Central Region] By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of cookies. There are numerous state and local parks located on the shores of the lake or on islands within the lake: Big Sable Point, Michigan in Ludington State Park, Lake view from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with people climbing uphill, Eichelman Park in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with Lake Michigan in the background, Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline from Portage, Indiana. title: 'Water Temperature Graph: Lake Michigan', Discover the best time of day to catch bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, carp, and many more depending on the season, moon phases, and weather. There is a forecast of water temperature changes for the next few days, as well as historical data of sea surface temperature are available for all days of the last years. 22.1], A lot of Chinook and Coho salmons can be found in the lake. Summer is the best season for trophy-class salmon. The month with the lowest is March with an average water temperature of 32.9F / 0.5C. Lighthouse Place Outlet Shopping Mall, Blue Chip Hotel, Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City Marina, Michigan City East Pierhead Light, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Monkey Island, Australian Aviary, Alligators, Petting Yard, Hawks, Otters, Cougars, Bears, Wolves, Bengal tiger, Lions, Fallow deer, Zebras, Australian Walk About: Wallaby and Emu, Bald eagles, Bobcats, Upper Aviary, Tortoise, Raptors. The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 70.5F / 21.4C. Lake Michigan water temperatures in spring vary from 51F to 74F. google.charts.setOnLoadCallback(drawChart); It would be better to plan Lake Michigan fishing adventures for March April. After the 2060s, Lake Michigan will not freeze. Sharma, an associate professor at York University, has been studying ice for over a decade. Retrieved from. The water heats up in the afternoon during cold months. [32] Since then water levels rebounded, rising more than 6 feet (1.8 metres) to historical record high levels.[34][31]. [21][22] The warming of Lake Michigan was the subject of a 2018 report by Purdue University. The map shows Lake Michigan temperature water in some coastal cities in real time, To find out what the water temperature was in Lake Michigan any day over a period of the last ten years, select the month, If you want to plan a vacation on the beach and enjoy the warm sea, choose the day of the year, region and the minimum comfortable sea/ocean temperature that interests you. Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is the best in spring and the early fall. Steelhead can be found in the lakes tributaries. [31], In January 2013, Lake Michigan's monthly mean water levels dipped to an all-time low of 576.2ft (175.6m),[32] reaching their lowest ebb since record keeping began in 1918. Turns out it's not the only one! Water near the surface cools and becomes heavier, allowing wind to mix it downwards. A lot of fish can be found in the Muskegon River. Its possible to find a lot of yellow perch in the lakes harbors and ports. Holiday Climate Data 4.1], 70.3, So, the air temperature at the same time will reach 35F. In the late 1960s, successful stocking programs for Pacific salmon led to the development of Lake Michigan's charter fishing industry. [Chicago] The Erie Canal connects to the Great Lakes at the east end of Lake Erie (at Buffalo, New York) and at the south side of Lake Ontario (at Oswego, New York). The best time to fish Lake Michigan is April to May for yellow perch and bass, from May to June for lake steelhead and trout, July to August for king salmon, and June through October for coho salmon. The avg. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lake Superior, please check out this helpful guide. Last summer, Lake Michigan was 10 degrees above normal, which resulted in the water taking longer to cool down in the winter. I've been watching Lake Michigan water temperatures drop a lot. CoCoRaHs [31], Lake levels tend to be the lowest in winter. [South Haven] National Briefing Water temperature in Grand Traverse Bay today is 35.1F.
Lake Michigan - Wikipedia In multiple locations along the shoreline, the dunes rise several hundred feet above the lake surface. Our report for Great Lakes is compiled using satellite data together with in-situ observations to get the most reliable daily data of sea surface temperatures, surf forecasts, current temperatures and weather forecasts. Please try another search. Michigan Offers Strong Voice on Climate Change, Michigan Climate Change Measurable In Huron County. Lake Michigan water levels remain near the highest observed monthly levels (since at least 1918). The graph below shows the range of monthly Lake Michigan water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. Average monthly sea temperatures in Lake Michigan . Sorry, the location you searched for was not found. var options = { You may have heard #LakeMichigan is warmer than usual for this time of year. Fall steelhead are well-known for their aggressive bites.
Current water temperature in Michigan Ports along its shores include Chicago in Illinois, Gary in Indiana, Milwaukee and Green Bay in Wisconsin, and Muskegon in Michigan. [Ludington] Its possible to catch smallmouth bass at any time of the year. Here are 2020 surface temps for all 5 #GreatLakes compared to their 1992-2019 averages.More of @NOAA's Great Lakes CoastWatch data & graphs: https://t.co/h0BTppXhhs pic.twitter.com/KTsK6uENRS. In recent years, at the beginning of the month, the temperature value here is at around 46F, and by the end of the month the water . April Steelhead spawning run continues in April. [St.Joseph] Photo courtesy ofBill Snyder. The formation needed more study before it could be authenticated. Salmon bite well in the early morning and late evening. The water temperature today roughly corresponds to the average value on this day in recent years. [42] The prime commercial species is the lake whitefish.
USGS Current Water Data for Michigan