Great Lakes Record-Warm Waters Raise Questions for Winter

Let’s talk about something weird happening in the Great Lakes right now: These enormous bodies of water are effectively running a fever, with most of them recording their warmest ever temperatures in 2024 (1). No, it’s not some “warmer than normal” thing; it’s a record break of 30-year-old records.

The Hot Take on Cold Lakes

Here’s what’s going on: Four of the five Great Lakes appear to have forgotten that it’s supposed to be winter. Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario are up there, setting new temperature records like it’s their job (2). Even Lake Superior, although the records aren’t being crushed, is about three degrees warmer than normal—and for a lake that size, that’s a lot of extra heat!

Just How Warm Are We Talking?

Picture this: It’s December, when these lakes should be contemplating ice cover. Instead, they’re chilling (pun intended) in the mid-to-upper 40s like it’s nothing. Lake Erie and Michigan really are the overachievers here, as they’re lounging at a plush 48.8 degrees—nearly 5 whole degrees above what’s normal (3). That could feel quite nice on a freezing cold day.