Lake Michigan Upwelling: Why Water Temps Plummet

When the sun finally comes out and the weather gets warm in West Michigan a lot of people like to head to the beach and take a dip into Lake Michigan.

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The water temperature last week in Lake Michigan was reported to be in the 70s, but recently experienced a dramatic drop that left many beachgoers wondering what caused the sudden change.

It turns out it was caused by a weather process called 'Upwelling'

Upwelling Caused Lake Michigan Temperatures To Drop Dramatically

In Lake Michigan, and other large bodies of water, strong winds blowing consistently in one direction can push the warmer surface water away from the shoreline.

When this warmer surface water that we swim in is pushed away, it creates a void.

To fill this void, colder water from the deeper parts of the lake rises to the surface.

Since the deeper waters of Lake Michigan are much colder than the surface waters, this upwelling event leads to a noticeable and often rapid drop in surface water temperatures, particularly along the affected shoreline.

An easy way to think of what is happening is to imagine the water in Lake Michigan "flipping over" a bit, bringing the cold bottom water to the top.

Will Lake Michigan Warm Back Up

If you really want to head to the lakeshore and take a dip in Lake Michigan, there is some good news

The water temperatures are expected to warm back up this week. Pair that with the warmer weather that is expected, and you've got a perfect combination!