GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —
Lake Michigan Water Temperatures
Probably the number one reason people search Lake Michigan for are water temperatures. Real-time measurements are recorded by the buoys while the shoreline temperatures are reported around 10 a.m. each day from selected state parks. Our team of meteorologists update those temperatures from satellite-estimated readings.
Lake Michigan Rip Current Risks
Rip currents are the number one killer on the Great Lakes. Four times each day our meteorologists update the swim risk at the beaches: grey means a low risk, yellow a moderate risk and red a high risk for swimmers.
Beach Forecasts
If you need more precise information about Lake Michigan conditions and forecasts we also offer individual county beach forecasts. These are updated twice daily.
One item we do not share are the beach flags. The status the swimming flags are up to individual state park officials and can change more often than can be updated here. Respect the flags, especially on High Risk days.
Water Levels
Lakeshore homeowners and boaters are always interested in the level of the Great Lakes and how it affect property and safe navigation. The water levels are updated weekly on Fridays, year-round.
Lake Michigan Wind and Wave Forecasts
Throughout the day our team of meteorologists update the wind and waves with a 12-hour forecast.
You can also find all this information on our website under the Beach and Boating Forecast tab.
Whatever your reason always respect the power of the Great Lakes in addition to having safe and fun activities!
Chief Meteorologist George Lessens
George is a graduate of Penn State University working for 13 ON YOUR SIDE for over 42 years. He is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), a thirteen-time MAB® Weathercast Award Winner, two-time EMMY® Award Winner, NATAS® Silver Circle Award Winner, and Weather-Ready Nation® Ambassador.
Contact me at: GeorgeLessens@13OnYourSide.com
Follow me on Twitter @glessens and Facebook GeorgeLessensWZZM
Have a 30-second video or photo to share? We'd love to share it with everyone! Share your images by texting your name and location to 616.559.1310 or email to Weather@13OnYourSide.com or post it to our 13OnYourSide Facebook Page
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.