Gale Warning For Lake Michigan With Possible 21 Ft. Waves

The next few days will be wild on Lake Michigan with weather that could create waves as high as 21 feet tall.

What is a Gale-Force Wind and Warning?

I have heard the term gale-force winds for years but never paid any attention to it and maybe you are in the same boat. Well, hopefully, not actually in a boat during gale winds that bring giant waves.

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A gale-force wind is a strong wind with sustained or gusting speeds of 39 to 54 miles per hour. A gale wind can occur over water, land, or both.

A gale warning is an alert issued by the National Weather Service allowing mariners to take precautionary actions to ensure their safety in large bodies of water like the ocean, seas, and Great Lakes. A gale warning will come with wind speeds, wave heights, and when the weather event will occur. Gale warnings are usually associated with deep low-pressure systems.

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Gale Warning Issued for Lake Michigan

The Great Lakes are so big they can have ocean and sea characteristics because of extreme weather. According to WOOD, the National Weather Service issued a gale warning for Thursday and Friday on Lake Michigan.

Thursday on the northern side of Lake Michigan waves will get up to 7 and 10 feet. Some waves may get up to 13 feet. The southern part of Lake Michigan waves will get up to 12 and 16 feet. Waves on the south side of Lake Michigan may get as high as 21 feet. 21-foot waves are what you would see in Hawaii or Australia if you are into surfing.

Friday waves will range from 10 to 14 feet. The high waves will be miles offshore and several factors will cause them to die down before hitting the West Michigan shoreline.