Lake Michigan Temperatures Reflecting Recent Warm Temperatures

The very mild temperatures that we have experienced recently across southern Wisconsin are also having an effect on Lake Michigan.

The below image displays the lake surface temperatures as measured by the MODIS imaging equipment aboard the Terra and Aqua orbiting satellites. Lake surface temperatures remain in the low to mid 40s this second week of December.

Lake Michigan Surface Temps

These Lake Michigan are running about 3 degrees above the average temperature for the 22 year period from 1992 to 2014.

Lake Michigan average temperatures compared to 2015

The below graphic shows how Lake Michigan surface temperatures in 2015 compare to the previous 5 years. It is interesting to note that around December 11th, while 2015 is running about 3 degrees F above normal, 2014 ran about 2 degrees F below normal and 2013 ran about one half degee below normal. Earlier years ran about 1-2 degrees F above normal.

Lake Michigan temperatures last 5 years

Likely these above normal lake surface temperatures are going to continue well into the heart of meteorological Winter.

Also, Lake Michigan water levels continue to run above the long term average and are expected to remain above average through Spring. Check out this article on Great Lakes water levels from NOAA Research.

Kavinsky
National Weather Service - Milwaukee/Sullivan