We continue to feel the effects of an unusually warm summer this time in the Great Lakes.
Experts say Lake Michigan and Lake Erie could break historic lows this year.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers says Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are just inches away from reaching the lowest water levels in 50 years.
"The rate of the drop here over the last several months has been unusually rapid, that's a part of it I think that is concerning," said State Climatologist Jeff Andresen.
Experts attribute it to natural causes, not to mention the worst drought we've seen in 20 years. They say it comes down to a few things:
- Below average rainfall
- Above average evaporation
- Less water from snow
"The winters have been unusually mild too and what that means is that we have less ice cover on the Great Lakes and of course the more ice on the lakes leads to a reduction or prevention of evaporation," said Andresen.
Our lakes are something many of us treasure, whether it be for family fun or something we depend on.
"We have heard from marina operators from people in the business that are having a difficult time getting boats in and out of marinas out of harbors those kind of local businesses and locations will see the impact," said VP of Travel Michigan George Zimmermann.
But he says in the big picture, they don't see this dramatically effecting tourism. Last year, visitors spent $17.7 billion traveling in Michigan.
"From our marketing stand point its not going to chance the way we market the state the great lakes are still the great lakes and they'll always be that and that's a key selling point for us," says Zimmermann.
The other Great Lakes are lower than average, but not expected to hit the record lows like Huron and Michigan.
