Marquette, Mich. – Boaters across northern Michigan should brace for rough waters and gusty winds through the remainder of the July 4th weekend, with hazardous lake conditions peaking Saturday on northwest Lake Michigan and the northern Bay of Green Bay.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, sustained south winds of up to 33 knots and wave heights nearing 5 feet are expected Saturday on Lake Michigan, creating “elevated” risk levels for small boats and kayaks. Conditions will remain limited Sunday before improving Monday.
Along Lake Superior, both west and east of the Keweenaw Peninsula, wave heights of 2 to 3 feet and wind gusts up to 23 knots will pose a moderate boating threat Saturday and Sunday, especially for unpowered vessels. Calm conditions are expected to return by Monday.
Recreational boaters are urged to check local marine forecasts and avoid venturing out during peak wave activity. Kayaks and small craft are especially vulnerable during “caution” and “limited” threat levels. Officials also warn of possible strong to severe thunderstorms moving west to east this afternoon and evening.
Conditions are expected to improve on all waters by Monday, but additional alerts could be issued if winds intensify.
