Green Bay, Wisconsin — Strong winds and thinning ice are increasing the risk of drifting ice floes Sunday along the Bay of Green Bay.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, southwest wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph are expected through the day, which could push large sections of ice away from shore.
Officials say open water and broken or thinning ice across the bay will raise the potential for ice floes, which can carry people on the ice away from land if winds shift or strengthen.
So far this week, authorities report no known ice rescues on the bay, but conditions could change quickly as winds increase.
The warning comes as the region begins the week with mild temperatures, with some areas potentially seeing near-record highs Monday.
Forecast highs Monday are expected to reach the upper 40s to mid-60s, before temperatures drop significantly Tuesday.
A stronger system is expected to bring rain and snow chances Tuesday into Wednesday, along with a noticeable temperature drop of 15 to 20 degrees compared with early-week highs.
Some snow accumulation may be possible as the midweek system moves through northeast Wisconsin.
Students, anglers, and outdoor recreation users on frozen lakes or bays may want to use extra caution as wind and ice conditions shift.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to avoid venturing onto unstable ice and monitor weather updates as conditions change.
