Lake Huron is the third largest of the five Great Lakes and is located between the Province of Ontario, and the state of Michigan in the U.S.A. Surrounded by many towns, cities, and islands, there is much to explore along the shores of the lake. Tourists, campers, and swimmers alike will find plenty of activities to enjoy here. However, everyone should be aware of Lake Huron’s water temperature before planning any trips, as Lake Huron’s water temperature can pose a risk to visitors.
Lake Huron’s water temperature is not consistent throughout the year. Summers tend to be warmer, with surface water temperatures reaching up to 26 degrees Celsius during the late summer months. In contrast, during winter months surface water temperatures drop as low as zero degrees Celsius. Because of the strong winds and wave action around Lake Huron, the surface water temperature can vary from one area to the next, with warmer or cooler waters depending on the location.
In addition, Lake Huron experiences seasonal water level fluctuations, with lower water levels during the winter months, and higher water levels during the summer. This affects the overall temperature of the lake, as lower water levels can make the lake cloudier, preventing sunlight from entering the lake and heating up the water. For example, during the winters of 2018- 2019, the lake levels were lower than normal, resulting in colder temperatures.
Weather conditions also play a role in lake temperature. For example, hot summer days can cause the temperature of Lake Huron to increase significantly, leading to warm water throughout the lake. On the other hand, cold days can cause the lake temperature to cool. Wind speed also affects water temperature. Strong winds can cause cooler water to be blown into shallow areas of the lake, resulting in colder temperatures in those regions.
Although Lake Huron’s water temperature may seem to be unpredictable, there are ways to get an estimate of the expected water temperature. For instance, there are many available databases that provide current and past temperature readings of Lake Huron. Additionally, there are also specific websites such as the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, which provide forecasts on water temperatures in the Great Lakes.
Finally, it is important to remember that Lake Huron’s water temperature can influence certain activities. For example, swimmers should be aware of the water temperature before jumping into the lake, as water temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius can be dangerous for swimmers, as it can increase their risk of getting hypothermia. Additionally, the effect of lower waterlevels on the lake can create shallow areas with even colder temperatures, so swimmers should always be cautious.
Effects of Climate Change
According to scientific research, the world’s climate is changing rapidly due to human activity, resulting in temperatures and precipitation levels changing across the globe. In fact, research suggests that Lake Huron is especially vulnerable to environmental changes, with temperatures and water levels expected to fluctuate even more in the future.
One potential effect of climate change is the rise in the lake’s average water temperature. Studies suggest that Lake Huron’s average surface water temperature has already risen by 1 degree Celsius in the past 20 years. This trend is expected to continue in the future, as warmer temperatures lead to more evaporation in the lake, as well as stronger winds, both of which contribute to an increased water temperature.
Additionally, climate change is also projected to lead to a decrease in the amount of water in Lake Huron. With less precipitation, and more extreme weather focus across the region, Lake Huron is likely to experience periods of sustained drought on a regular basis. This could lead to lower water levels, which have the potential to further increase water temperatures, as the lack of water decreases the lakes ability to reflect sunlight, as well as preventing cloud cover from cooling the water.
Unfortunately, climate change is unlikely to be stopped at this point, meaning that Lake Huron’s water temperature is likely to continue to rise in the future. This could have a significant impact on life in and around the lake, as it could lead to changes in fish populations and the survival of certain species.
Lake Huron Swim Records
In addition to Lake Huron’s unpredictable water temperature, the lake has certain challenges that some swimmers may be willing to take up. For instance, every year dozens of swimmers attempt to set records for swimming across the lake.
One of the most famous of these is Steve Redmond’s record of swimming across Lake Huron in 2002, who became the first person to swim across the lake without the aid of a wetsuit or a flotation device. Although the swim was completed in 24 hours and 53 minutes, the lake’s unpredictable water temperature and currents posed a challenge for the swimmer, as temperatures during the swim ranged from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius.
In addition, Jason Schreur attempted to set a record for circumnavigating the lake in 2005. This was no easy feat, as it required him to swim approximately 1100 km and facing rough aquatic conditions such as heavy currents, as well as variable water temperatures. Schreur ended up completing the swim in devastatingly cold waters of 5 degrees Celsius, which took him more than 209 hours to complete.
Aside from these two records, there have been many others, including solo swims, relay swims and those by age group. Each of these attempts requires a great deal of skill, dedication and luck in order to complete them, as the unpredictable waters of Lake Huron can be harsh, especially in the winter months.
Commercial Fishing in Lake Huron
Due to its large size and abundance of marine life, Lake Huron is home to a large commercial fishing industry. This multi-million dollar industry is one of the top economic contributors to the communities around the lake.
The fish exploited by the commercial fishery largely depend on the season and the water temperature. For example, in the warmer months, fish such as salmon, lake trout and whitefish can be found in abundance, while in the colder months, species such as walleye, smelt and catfish can be more common. This is because these fish are able to tolerate colder temperatures than the other fish, allowing them to survive in the colder water.
The water temperature of Lake Huron also affects the migration of certain fish species. For example, some species such as lake trout migrate towards cooler waters during the summer months in order to escape the warmer surface temperatures. As a result, commercial fishing operations often have to adjust their fishing strategies in order to maintain their catch rates, as the fish can move from areas that were previously lucrative fishing grounds.
Finally, the water temperature of the lake also affects other aspects of the commercial fishing industry. For instance, warmer water temperatures can cause the abundance of certain fish to decrease, making it more difficult for fishermen to make a living. This is because fish are less likely to feed when the water temperature is too high, thus reducing the overall numbers of fish available to be caught.
Environmental Effects of Fishing
Although the commercial fishing industry provides jobs and income to communities, it has also caused significant damage to the environment. For example, overfishing of certain species, such as lake trout, has led to a decrease in the number of these species, thus altering the balance of the lake’s ecosystem. Additionally, fishing practices such as gill-netting can also damage habitats and disrupt the activities of other species, such as birds and mammals.
Furthermore, the fishing industry’s use of technology and large vessels can also lead to water pollution. This is because such vessels can leak oil and other pollutants into the lake, which can have an adverse effect on the lake’s plant and wildlife. In addition, the noise generated by vessels can also disturb the wildlife in the lake, disrupting the activities of other species and affecting the overall balance of the ecosystem.
Finally, the fishing industry’s waste disposal practices can also have an impact on Lake Huron’s water temperature. For example, if fishing vessels discard fish waste into the lake, this can lead to an increase in water temperature, as the decomposition process of the fish waste releases heat into the lake. This, in turn, can lead to further changes in the lake’s ecology, as warmer water temperatures can cause some species to avoid the lake, or lead to drastic changes in the lake’s biodiversity.
Conclusion
To sum up, the water temperature of Lake Huron is an important factor to consider when planning trips to the lake, as the temperature can vary throughout the seasons. The effects of climate change and the fishing industry can also play a role in the lake’s temperatures, while certain activities such as swimming can require special preparation due to the unpredictability of the lake’s temperature. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the current water temperatures before planning trips to Lake Huron and engaging in certain activities such as swimming.
