4Warn Weather – Last year, we experienced the lowest ice levels ever across the Great Lakes since we started keeping records. And the lakes have been unusually ice-free again so far this winter.
This is a scenario that’s likely to occur more often, given that the upper Midwest has experienced some of the nation’s strongest winter warming trends since 1970.
According to new data from Climate Central, long-term records show a 25% decline in ice cover over the last 50 years, despite year-to-year variables. Declining lake ice can influence lake water levels and lake-effect snow. Not to mention, it has cascading impacts on ecosystems and recreation like ice-fishing.
We are seeing the same trend with fewer frozen days across the Great Lakes.
Today, the Great Lakes are experiencing an average 27 fewer frozen days compared to 1973. Closer to home, Lake Erie saw 35 fewer days -- but the most staggering number was Lake Ontario with 46 fewer days.
Warmer winters increase the likelihood of ice-free lakes. Winter has been the fastest warming season across Southeast Michigan.
---> Here’s the Michigan weather outlook for next 8-14 days
Watch the breakdown here
Here’s a breakdown of the data from Ashlee Baracy -- along with a snippet of our conversation with Al Roker from “The Today Show.”