Great Lakes

Southeast Michigan faces thunderstorms with potential severe weather today, followed by improving conditions and a dry, seasonable weekend. A heatwave may return next week with consecutive 90-degree temperatures.

Scientists confirmed the invasive bloody red shrimp, originally from Eastern Europe, has spread to all five Great Lakes, including Lake Superior. The shrimp, introduced by cargo ships, is half an inch long, bright red, and changes its diet as it matures. Ceci Weibert from Michigan's environmental department discussed the issue in an interview.

Warmer temperatures and fog on Wednesday give way to thunderstorms on Thursday with potential severe weather, followed by a dry, comfortable weekend in Metro Detroit. A heat wave is forecasted for next week, with temperatures possibly reaching 90 degrees or higher for three consecutive days.

Metro Detroit is experiencing a break from a week of extreme weather, including a heat wave and severe storms, with more rain expected by Thursday. The region saw temperatures above 100 degrees, damaging winds, and flooding earlier in the week, but drier and cooler conditions have returned temporarily.

Southeast Michigan experiences a soggy start with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms near Lake Erie, followed by improving conditions and dry, comfortable weather through Tuesday. Temperatures rise into the 80s, with the next chance of rain arriving by late Thursday as a new weather system approaches the Great Lakes.

New research from the University of Notre Dame reveals how PFAS chemicals accumulate in the Great Lakes ecosystem, increasing in concentration as they move up the food chain. The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Quality, found a decline in PFOS levels in lower lakes but not in the upper lakes, highlighting the persistence of these 'forever chemicals' in the environment.

A University of Notre Dame study analyzed 42 years of data to track PFAS chemicals in the Great Lakes food web, finding lower concentrations in Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior compared to Ontario and Erie. The study noted a decline in PFOS levels over two decades following its industry phase-out but highlighted bioaccumulation in predators like salmon and eagles.

Whale remains, including baleen, sperm, bowhead, and finback species, have been discovered across Michigan. Experts attribute this to the state's geological history, where melting glaciers and ancient waterways allowed marine life to inhabit inland regions thousands of years ago.

An extreme heat warning was issued across the Midwest and Great Lakes as temperatures and humidity created dangerous conditions with heat indexes exceeding 100°F. Cities like Detroit and Philadelphia opened cooling centers, while infrastructure issues like buckling roads emerged. Health officials warned of heat-related illnesses and dehydration risks.

A severe heatwave with dangerous conditions exceeding 100°F heat index is affecting the Midwest and Great Lakes, prompting extreme heat warnings and health advisories. The heat is expected to shift to the East, causing event cancellations and infrastructure issues like buckling roads. Cities such as Detroit and Philadelphia have opened cooling centers to combat the crisis.

Forecasters warn of dangerous heat conditions affecting the Midwest and Great Lakes, with the heatwave moving toward the East. Millions of people in these regions are experiencing extreme temperatures.

An Extreme Heat Warning is active in Southeast Michigan through Thursday evening, with temperatures reaching mid-90s to near 100°, high humidity causing heat indices of at least 105°, and minimal nighttime relief. A Saharan dust event will create vivid sunsets before a chance of rain cools temperatures to around 95° by Friday.

The public comment period for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel wastewater permit ends Tuesday, with environmental groups opposing the discharge of 7 million gallons of treated industrial wastewater into the Great Lakes daily. Enbridge claims the project includes environmental safeguards and AI monitoring, but critics question the adequacy of these measures to protect the lakes.

Paul Florsheim, a retired college professor, is fighting a $313 trespassing ticket in Wisconsin for walking a Lake Michigan shoreline he has used for over 50 years. His legal battle highlights concerns about public access to waterfronts, linked to broader cases like SpaceX's control over a Texas beach and data centers using Great Lakes water.

Beaver Island in Lake Michigan faces frequent power outages due to its remote location and sensitive underwater cables. Researchers from the University of Michigan are testing wave energy prototypes to provide a reliable local power source, supported by resident input and existing renewable energy initiatives.

Metro Detroit experiences rain showers and thunderstorms through Thursday, followed by drier weather this weekend. A potential heat wave next week could bring temperatures into the 90s with high humidity, raising concerns for outdoor activities ahead of the Fourth of July.

A non-native Hemimysis anomala shrimp species has established a self-sustaining population in Lake Superior, completing its spread to all five Great Lakes. The study found juveniles, adults, and evidence of reproduction in the Duluth-Superior Harbor, confirming the species' establishment there.

Metro Detroit experiences comfortable early-summer weather with sunshine and 70s temperatures, but rain is expected Wednesday evening through Thursday, potentially disrupting commutes and outdoor plans. A return to summer heat with temperatures reaching the 80s and 90s is forecast for the weekend.

A legal dispute in Wisconsin centers on whether Paul Florsheim can continue walking on a Lake Michigan beach he has used for over 50 years, with the case highlighting broader debates about shoreline access rights. The public trust doctrine, rooted in Roman law, grants public access to navigable waters, but state laws vary significantly, particularly in coastal regions like California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Great Lakes states.

University of Michigan researchers are testing wave energy converters off Beaver Island to improve local power reliability, designed with community input over two years. The project aims to address frequent outages caused by diesel generators and sensitive cables, with support from residents interested in renewable energy solutions.

Bloody red shrimp, an invasive species, have been found in Lake Superior and are now present in all five Great Lakes. Researchers are using nets and traps to monitor the shrimp in Duluth-Superior Harbor.

A Michigan island is exploring the potential of Great Lakes wave energy to provide reliable power. University of Michigan professor Lei Zuo is developing a wave energy converter, with an early prototype showcased in 2024.

President Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts to NOAA could eliminate programs critical for weather observations, water quality, and research on the Great Lakes. Organizations like the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) and the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) face funding threats, risking data collection and climate change studies.

A Wisconsin legal case involving Paul Florsheim, a retired professor, highlights debates over beach access rights. Florsheim was ticketed for trespassing on a Lake Michigan beach he has used for 50 years, with the case reflecting broader discussions about the public trust doctrine and varying state laws on shoreline access.

Air conditioning was restored at Brush Park Manor senior living community in Detroit after a faulty system left residents without cooling during a heat advisory. The City of Detroit issued a correction order to management, while the property's operator attributed the issue to routine seasonal HVAC maintenance. Repairs involved replacing a part and implementing interim cooling measures.

President Donald Trump's proposed budget would cut NOAA's funding by $1.3 billion, threatening programs critical to Great Lakes research, including weather observations, water quality monitoring, and climate change studies. Groups like the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research and the Great Lakes Observing System warn that these cuts risk losing essential data for public safety, economic activity, and understanding climate impacts on the lakes.

The US Coast Guard has deployed surveillance drones in the Great Lakes to track illicit activity, but rights groups and locals fear the program could shift toward data collection. The initiative, involving at least six sailing drones, has raised concerns despite the region not being a known hub for drug or immigration-related crimes.

Researchers are exploring the deepest part of the Great Lakes using the Boxfish Luna, a cinema-grade underwater drone. The event will be live-streamed, allowing viewers to ask questions in real time.

Severe thunderstorms are expected in the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Great Lakes regions on Saturday, prompting warnings for the Midwest and Great Lakes areas. The storms are forecast to bring more severe weather conditions.