Michigan: Warmer Great Lakes Could Cause Winter Havoc

Winter is just getting started, but when it comes to the Great Lakes, the temperatures aren't showing it. In other words, the lakes are warmed than usual, and that could cause some issues heading into the cold months.

According to the Chicago Tribune, since summer and fall nights didn't get cold enough, surface temperatures in the Great Lakes are above average. They also state it's a result of climate change.

“What was kind of jarring was the consistency of the warmer-than-normal conditions," climatologist Trent Ford says in the article. “And the lack of cool nights.”

Temperatures were above normal for much of the area this summer, with Minnesota and Wisconsin clocking their third-hottest Junes ever. Lake Huron got up to almost 74 F (22 C) this summer, setting a record. Illinois' average October temperature was 8 degrees above average, setting a record.

Ford adds that frost came later this year, making allergy season last longer. He says the longer warm temperatures could result in more lake effect snow. Warmer water in the Great Lakes could bring invasive species and harmful algae. For more information, go here.