Lake Michigan water temps, levels rising
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The water level on Lake Michigan is above average, but all of the Great Lakes are also running above average.
Lake Michigan is 13 inches above average. It is still 19 inches away from the all-time record high. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron share the same level, so that's why you see them listed together.
Lake Erie and Superior are also running above average, but still below record highs.
However, Lake Ontario is at an all-time June record high. It is four inches above the previous record high.
These high lake levels are attributed to above average precipitation in winter and spring and the levels are expected to stay above average through the summer.
LAKE MICHIGAN WARMING INTO 60s
It is going to get hot this weekend! If you're looking too cool off, the lake will be a good spot.
Water temperatures are running in the 50s and low 60s in the southern part of the lake. Obviously, it's cooler in the northern part of the lake. But as we go thru the summer, these water temperatures will warm.
Here's a look at the average water temperature for Lake Michigan as we go thru the summer:
- By July 1 - average water temp is 61 degrees
- By August 1 - average water temp is 70 degrees
- By September 1 - average water temp is 69 degrees
- By October 1 - average water temp is back down to 60 degrees
This average is based off the southern Lake Michigan buoy out in the middle of the lake. So, keep in mind that at the Chicago shoreline, the water temperature is usually a few degrees warmer.
