Beach Hazards Issued for Great Lakes Amid Shoulder Season
The National Weather Service (NWS) office has issued beach hazards statements for every Great Lake, as beaches remain popular for those hoping to enjoy the shoulder season before fall officially arrives. This type of warning isn’t typical in summer months.
These alerts follow a similar issuance earlier this month when the NWS warned about dangerous currents and large waves affecting around 1 million residents near the five Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. President Donald Trump previously stated via executive order that Lake Ontario is now called Lake America. The latest warnings have impacted well over 8 million people.
Warnings for Great Lakes
As of 10:30 a.m. Eastern time, NWS offices reported beach hazards for areas in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Dangerous waves and currents are the primary reasons people are advised to stay out of the water.
Warnings were issued for Duluth, Minnesota; northwestern Wisconsin; Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; nearly Wisconsin’s entire Lake Michigan shoreline; northeastern Illinois; northwestern Indiana; northeastern Michigan; northern Ohio; northwestern Pennsylvania; and nearly New York’s whole Lake Ontario shoreline. Many alerts may last through Wednesday afternoon or evening, while some will expire earlier.
“Life-threatening waves and rip currents are expected. Stay out of the water and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls,” the NWS office in Duluth warned. “Wind and wave action will cause currents on the lakeshore,” added NWS Cleveland. “Swimmers should not enter the water. Currents can carry swimmers away from shore through a sand bar and along structures extending out into the lake.”
Simultaneous Beach Hazards Statements
This type of widespread beach hazards statement is uncommon during summer months, according to NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Bryan Jackson. It occurs more frequently as cooler air arrives during the shoulder season.
Jackson noted that cold fronts are more notable at this time of year. A Canadian high-pressure system north of the Great Lakes has contributed to the dangerous waves and currents. “A good pressure gradient exists there, and it’s still warm, driving people to visit the beach,” Jackson said. During winter, strong cold fronts can lead to lake effect snow, winds, and ice buildup on the lakes.
The current beach hazards arise from prolonged wind caused by the northern high-pressure system. Jackson pointed out, “You wouldn’t get this strong of wind during summer, but as we head into fall, it marks the transition into the cooler season.”
Great Lakes Drownings
Although rip currents and dangerous waves are typically associated with ocean beaches, the Great Lakes experience them as well. According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP), there have been 73 drownings this year in the Great Lakes, with 41 occurring at Lake Michigan.
Warnings are crucial because after Labor Day, lifeguards no longer staff Great Lakes beaches, noted GLSRP Executive Director Dave Benjamin.
Understanding Rip Currents
A rip current is a fast-moving channel of water running perpendicular to the shoreline. If caught in one, remain calm. It will not pull swimmers under, but it can drag them further from shore. Escape by swimming parallel to the shore and then return to land once free from the current. If tired, float and signal for help.
Future Outlook
While some beach hazard statements will expire on Monday afternoon, others will remain effective for days. Those living near or visiting affected shorelines should stay informed via their local weather office and be cautious around water.
In a broader context, beach safety concerns are also expected in the Mid-Atlantic region. A strengthening low-pressure system off the coast could lead to high tides and beach erosion in the coming days.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors collaborated with Martyn, an AI assistant, to develop this story.