Since 1990, GLERL scientists have been measuring temperature in the middle of southern Lake Michigan (at approximately 42.68, -87.07). They’ve been using a vertical chain of instruments that measure temperature from top to bottom. This is one of the longest vertical temperature records in existence anywhere in the Great Lakes, and it reveals some interesting patterns about lake temperature and the seasons. We’ve created a static infographic as well as an interactive chart that allows you to zoom in on the data and get individual measurement values.

Below, check out our infographic explaining seasonal temperature profiles in Lake Michigan.

Click here to interactively explore Lake Michigan temperature data.