Situated in the heart of the Great Lakes, Michigan is home to the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area – Lake Superior. However, it’s not the biggest when it comes to volume or depth. That honor goes to Lake Michigan. At 22,400 square miles, it’s the third largest Great Lake by surface area, but due to its depth of 923 feet, it holds 1,180 cubic miles of water – more than any of the other Great Lakes.
Find out for yourself!
What is the temperature of the water in Lake Michigan?
The water temperature in Lake Michigan is 347°F today. This is a very cold temperature and it is advised to be careful if you are swimming or participating in any water activities.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Lake Michigan water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 705°F / 214°C. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 369°F / 27°C.
Is Lake Michigan ever warm enough to swim
Lake Michigan water temperatures can be quite warm during the summer months, especially in late June through mid-September. The water can often reach the low 70s or even low 80s in some areas along the West Michigan lakeshore. This makes for a great time to take a dip in the lake or go for a boat ride!
Lake Michigan is one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world. This massive waterbody covers 22,300 square miles and has 407 miles of coastline in Wisconsin. The lake is primarily cold water with summer maximum water temperatures below 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Can you swim in Lake Michigan?
Lake Michigan is a beautiful place to swim, but there are some things you should be aware of before you head out. The bottom is uneven with holes and deep drop-offs, so it’s important to be careful where you step. These inshore holes are especially dangerous to small children and non-swimmers. If you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s best to stick to West Beach, where there are lifeguards on duty. Stay safe and enjoy your time in the water!
Lake Erie is the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes, making it a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is also home to many species of fish, including bass, trout, and walleye.
Is Lake Michigan clean enough to swim in?
The water at the southern shore of Lake Michigan is generally clean and safe for swimming. However, to ensure public safety, the national lakeshore regularly tests the water for contamination by bacteria.
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Lake Michigan is shared, from west to east, by the U.S. states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The word “Michigan” originally referred to the lake itself, and is believed to come from the Ojibwa word mishigami meaning “great water”.
Averaging 279 feet in depth, Lake Michigan has a maximum depth of 925 feet. It covers an area of 22,400 square miles, which is slightly larger than the combined areas of the U.S. states of Maryland and Delaware. It has a shoreline of 1,640 miles, and is the only Great Lake completely within the borders of the United States. The lake is bounded on the west by the state of Wisconsin, on the north by the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the east by Michigan and Indiana, and on the south by Illinois.
Why is Michigan lake so cold
Upwelling is a process that can occur quickly, even after a warmer than average summer. In mid August, we can see 45-degree water come to shoreline areas as a result of offshore wind blowing the surface water away from the nearshore area. This allows colder water to rise from the bottom of the lake to the surface.
There is no doubt that Lake Superior is an absolutely stunning body of water. Its water is clean and clear, and it is the largest freshwater lake in the world. Whether or not it is superior to the other Great Lakes is a matter of opinion, but there is no doubt that it is a truly amazing place.
Should you shower after swimming in Lake Michigan?
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a warning to avoid contact with foam on lakes and rivers that may be contaminated with PFAS. swallowing foam that contains PFAS could pose a risk to your health. PFAS do not move easily through the skin, but it is always best to rinse off after contact with foam and to bathe or shower after the day’s outdoor activities.
The water level in Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to rise to 1778 by 2040, which is one foot higher than the 1986 record high. worst of all, by 2030, the Lake is projected to drop to 1745, which is 35 feet lower than the 2000 lows.
How cold is too cold to swim
While swimming in water that is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is not necessarily dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for some people. Those with certain medical conditions, such as asthma or heart conditions, may be at risk for complications if they swim in water that is too cold. It is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a doctor before swimming in water that is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it’s too cold to swim in Lake Michigan, try one of the many inland lakes in Mason, Manistee, or Oceana counties. These lakes are smaller and more protected from the wind, so they warm up more quickly than Lake Michigan.
Is Lake Michigan man made?
The lake’s formation began 12 billion years ago when two tectonic plates moving in opposite directions left a giant scar—an event now known as the Midcontinent Rift Less than 15,000 years ago, melting glaciers filled the giant basin, and Lake Michigan came to be. The lake is a beautiful sight, and its formation is a fascinating story.
Since there are no alligators in Michigan existing in the wild, the only alligators in Michigan are held in captivity. Alligators are not native to Michigan, so the only way to see one in the state is to visit a zoo, aquarium, or other facility that houses them.
Final Words
At the surface, Lake Michigan is a relatively warm lake. The average surface temperature in the summer is about 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the water at the bottom of the lake is much colder, with an average temperature of only 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit.
temperatures in lake michigan vary depending on the season and the location. during the summer, the lake is usually warmer near the shore due to the sun’s heat. the deeper you go into the lake, the colder the water gets.
