Traverse City, Michigan – A stretch of warm, sunny weather is expected to draw crowds to Northern Michigan beaches this weekend, with both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron offering prime swimming conditions and low wave risks through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a few showers or isolated thunderstorms could pop up today, but overall beach weather will improve with highs ranging from 78 to 89 degrees. Waves will stay low—between 0 and 2 feet—keeping the swim risk at its lowest for both major lakes.
Saturday brings only slight chances of showers, mainly in the morning, for coastal areas like Petoskey, Alpena, and Ludington. By Sunday, skies clear across most of the region, setting up a perfect afternoon for swimming and boating in Traverse City, Mackinaw City, and Tawas City. Lifeguards and safety officials remind everyone to stay alert for changing weather and always swim near marked areas. If you spot approaching storms, seek shelter immediately.
With calm water and limited beach hazards, families are encouraged to enjoy local parks but remain cautious around piers and be aware of rip currents—especially during sudden weather changes. Break the grip of the rip by swimming parallel to shore if caught in a current.
Warm, mostly sunny conditions should hold through Sunday evening, but updated alerts may be issued if storms redevelop. Check weather.gov/greatlakes/beachhazards for the latest safety info.
