It may sound strange, but some people are changing or even
canceling their summer plans because of the lingering effects from this past
harsh winter.
Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are much colder than
average, thanks to the record ice coverage this past winter. In fact, Lake
Michigan is running about 10 to 12 degrees below average this time of year,
according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The average
surface water temperature for Lake Michigan is currently about 54 degrees,
although temperatures have climbed into the 60s in parts of southern Lake Michigan. |
| Fog in Chicago |
One of the consequences of the colder water temperatures is
frequent fog. When the warm and moist air meets the cold lake, fog and low
clouds often form. Fog was reported in Milwaukee every day from June 16-28. A
foggy June has also been reported from Muskegon, Michigan, to Chicago northward
to Green Bay and in Duluth, Minnesota.
In Wisconsin, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels were unable to fly
the weekend of June 21-22 at the Milwaukee Air & Water Show due to fog.
Poor visibility created unsafe flying conditions, according to the event's
Facebook page.
The reduced visibility also forced organizers at Summerfest
in Milwaukee to postpone the Big Bang fireworks until July 1 due to safety
concerns. The fireworks display, originally scheduled for June 24, would have
also been difficult for spectators to enjoy with the dense fog.
Heavy fog also suspended a baseball game in Kenosha, and a
game in Chicago between the Cubs and Washington Nationals was almost delayed.
On days when fog reduces visibility, it's important for
boaters and swimmers to exercise caution, and be wary of the length of time
they're exposed to cold water.
