While National Weather Service forecasters are warning swimmers to “stay dry when waves are high” on Saturday, July 5, swim weather for Sunday, July 6, appears to be much safer.
Forecasters are Saturday said waves along Lake Michigan beaches could be dangerous.
“Enough wave action on Lake Michigan (on July 5) to pose potential hazards for swimmers. Some showers/storms return tonight/Sunday,” the Gaylord NWS said in a post on X.
Michigan’s Great Lakes likely are tempting many to swim this weekend as water temperatures climb into the 70s.
The Grand Rapids weather office also warned of high waves along the Lake Michigan shore.
“Unfortunately, the warm and humid beach weather this weekend will clash with swimming conditions that will become dangerous due to large waves and strong currents,” the office said in a July 4 post on X. “Waves will build Saturday afternoon and continue Sunday especially north of Holland.”
Waves were expected to be highest Saturday afternoon, according to the Grand Rapids office, which issued a “do not swim” advisory for points north of Muskegon. To the south, the weather service said to use caution and that swimming is discouraged.
Southwest winds from Manistee to Whitehall could reach 25 mph, weather forecasters said, with dangerous currents and waves expected.
In northern Lake Michigan, on the southern shore of the Upper Peninsula and along popular swimming areas on U.S. 2, the Marquette office said swimming was “high risk.”
“Gusty south winds will lead to dangerous swimming conditions along the shoreline of Schoolcraft County today, Saturday, July 5th,” the Marquette office said on X.
The NWS said there is an elevated risk and to expect “life-threatening” waves along the south coast, and pointed out Lakeview Park in Manistique and Seul Choix Point.
Elsewhere in the UP, the weather service said Lake Superior swimmers and boaters also need to exercise caution throughout the weekend.
“Take caution if you’re headed out on the water through the rest of the holiday weekend,” the NWS said. “Gusty south winds may create rough conditions for small boats and kayaks. Additionally, strong to severe storms will move from west to east this afternoon and evening.”
For July 5, the NWS said kayakers on Lake Superior should use caution with waves 1.5 to 2 feet. Sunday, waves could be up to 4 feet and the threat increases to “limited” for boaters.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Weekend waves in Michigan could be life-threatening. What National Weather Service says
Reporting by Dan Basso, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
