Dangerous waves on Great Lakes as gales of November come early
Strong north winds are expected to make dangerous waves on Lake Michigan. The waves could build to 23 feet at the very southern end of Lake Michigan.
Mark Torregrossa | MLive By Mark Torregrossa | MLive
on October 30, 2014 at 1:23 PM, updated October 30, 2014 at 2:35 PM
Dangerous waves are going to develop on Michigan's Great Lakes during the day Friday.
A strengthening storm system will move straight over Michigan, while deepening at the same time. A deepening storm means the wind speeds will increase.
The winds will be straight out of the north, which really builds the wave heights, especially on Lake Michigan. The flow of air down the entire length of Lake Michigan will cause waves to increase heading south on Lake Michigan. Winds are expected to gust over 40 MPH on all of the Great Lakes shores. There is a storm warning in effect, and waves could build to 23 feet at the south end of Lake Michigan.
Stay off the piers Friday. The higher lake levels, combined with the high waves will make it too dangerous.
Lake Huron and Lake Superior will also have big waves. The north wind on Lake Huron will make the tallest waves on the South end of Lake Huron from Harbor Beach to Port Huron, where 14 foot waves are expected. Lake Superior will have about the same situation with 14 foot waves along the southern shore of Lake Superior.
What causes the November gales?
November is a famous month for dangerous storms on the Great Lakes. The basic reason is Great Lakes water temperatures are relatively warm, and the air aloft can turn much colder. The warm air over the lakes is light and wants to rise, much like a hot air ballon rises. The cold air aloft is heavier and wants to fall to the ground. The opposing movement of these different air masses causes part of the wind. This happens at the same time the strength of low pressure systems is getting stronger.
The combination of stronger large scale storm systems with the water-to-air temperature difference makes the wind on the Great Lakes a unique weather situation.
The cold air coming will also make it look like winter at times Friday afternoon and evening.
If you can stay off the piers, and get a good view of the water, we'd love to see the waves in action.
http://www.mlive.com/weather/index.ssf/2014/10/dangerous_waves_on_great_lakes.html#incart_related_stories
