What are the largest waves reported on southern Lake Michigan?
Paul Sarewich, Chicago
Dear Paul,
The largest waves on southern Lake Michigan are generated when storm force (48+ m.p.h.) north and northeast winds blow down the full 300-plus-mile fetch of the lake. Experienced Great Lakes forecasters recall the very largest waves being just over 20 feet high. These waves usually occur in late autumn when intense low pressure systems traverse the warm lakes generating strong winds that can exceed hurricane force (74 m.p.h.).
The combination of high winds and waves along with blinding sheets of rain and snow produce a mariner’s nightmare known as “freshwater fury.” Many ship captains that have negotiated 50-foot waves in ocean storms claim the conditions they experienced on the Great Lakes were far more challenging.
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Tom Skilling is chief meteorologist at WGN-TV. His forecasts can be seen Monday through Friday on WGN-TV News at noon and 9 p.m.
Write to: ASK TOM WHY, 2501 Bradley Pl., Chicago, IL 60618 or asktomwhy@wgntv.com (Mail volume precludes personal response.)
WGN-TV meteorologists Steve Kahn, Richard Koeneman and Paul Dailey plus weather producer Bill Snyder contribute to this page.
