Weekly Update: How Much Ice is Covering the Great Lakes?

news image
Special Stories
3 Jan 2018 7:57 AM
With continued arctic air spilling across Great Lakes, more and more ice is rapidly forming on them. As of January 2nd, 2018, the Great Lakes were 20.7% covered in ice per the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. At this same time last year, only 2.2 percent of the Great Lakes' surface area was covered with ice. Of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie is the winner with the highest percentage of ice coverage at 36.01%. Its not too surprising that Lake Erie has the most ice coverage because it is the shallowest of all Great Lakes, making it more susceptible to freezing. Lake Superior, which is the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, usually takes a longer time to develop ice for those very reasons. It currently has an ice coverage percentage of 9.88%, which is the lowest percentage of all the Great Lakes. For WeatherNation, I am Meteorologist Marcus Walter.
All Weather News
More
Flossie Strengthens to Hurricane Status

Flossie Strengthens to Hurricane Status

EASTERN PACIFICThe National Hurricane Center

1 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Severe Storms For the East Coast Through Tuesday

Severe Storms For the East Coast Through Tuesday

A cold front is tapping into a moist air mass

1 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Hurricane Center Monitoring Florida for Tropical Development

Hurricane Center Monitoring Florida for Tropical Development

Residents and visitors to the Southeast will

1 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Where Rain Could Dampen Holiday Travel Plans

Where Rain Could Dampen Holiday Travel Plans

AAA is expecting over 70 million travelers to

1 Jul 2025 12:50 AM
Extreme Heat Continues Out West

Extreme Heat Continues Out West

An upper-level ridge is building into the Des

1 Jul 2025 12:45 AM
Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

It has been an active, severe season across t

30 Jun 2025 9:00 PM
Thunderstorms Possible in the Southeast Overnight

Thunderstorms Possible in the Southeast Overnight

SOUTHEAST - Strong thunderstorms have develop

28 Jun 2025 2:40 AM