Water Temperature of Lake Superior is Close to Record Levels

According to research, Lake Superior is warming faster almost morethan any other lake in the world.

Lake Superior has a reputation for being really, really cold, but this summer the water temperature is approaching some record levels.

Brian Gross and his friends enjoyed the warm weather and decided to head down to Lake Superior.

“It’s usually cold but it’s exceptionally nice today,” said Gross.

They’ve been tempted to swim it before.

“I came up here and never actually did think I’d go in there swimming but getting in there was nice,” said Danny Zaccardi.

The water has sent many shivers down their spines.

“Every time I’ve even put my toe in Lake Superior, it’s been like icicles. This is the first time I’ve ever swam in it today,” said Zaccardi.

The water was measured at 70 degrees Fahrenheit at around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

The water temperature has been around six degrees warmer than on average.

“I wouldn’t say you could ever expect it to be this warm but I can change really fast,” said Jesse Schomberg, extension educator with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant.

The average temperature has continued to rise two degrees Fahrenheit every decade and even thought it’s trending higher, researchers say high temperatures aren’t normal.

Researchers have found that Lake Superior is warming faster than almost any other lake in the world.

“It’s warming fast,” said Schomberg.

Research points towards climate change as being the biggest culprit for the higher water temperatures.

“It’s weather up here who knows what’s going to happen,” said Schomberg.

So while warmer temperatures mean more people heading to the beach, invasive species potentially could be enjoying it too.

“Warmer temperatures let other things live here that otherwise may be wouldn’t do so well,” said Schomberg.

A strong wind current could raise the cold depths of the water, so that’s why so many went to enjoy it while they could.

“I’m very stoked,” said Gross.

These friends and others enjoyed that they could dip more than just their toes in the water.

“Come out and enjoy the water,” said Zaccardi.

For the latest water temperatures, head on over to

http://www.parkpointbeach.org/