Lake Michigan Temperature

I have never swam up in Waukegan, but know some peeps who have, and they say without question, you need a wetsuit...even with these high temps, the water is a lot colder up north.

Temp from the bouy located in Lake Michigan

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=45007

Granted it is in the middle of the lake.

Interesting site: shows surface temperatures of the lake

click on the section of the map on the left -

http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/twomichigans.html

click on the hlep section to understand what you are looking at - but I'd say based on this the temps in waukegan is in the mid 60's

We've been using this same map to look up the water temp for Racine this weekend too! I wouldn't dare go into the water without a wetsuit in those temps (but I am also a wuss when it comes to that), but yes, you are right in that they tell you to not try something new for race day, but it will REALLY keep you warm.  Might be a little late to try now since it is Wednesday. 

How long is the swim? 

Hey Jen-

There are a lot of factors that you have to consider...

1-Are you a strong swimmer...will you only be in the water a short time?

2-How are you swimming in water that cold...can you handle it?

3-If you are nervous, is there anywhere you can rent a wetsuit and try it out before Sunday?

They are pretty constricting, so if you are nervous for the swim, it's going to make it feel that much tighter, especially around the neck...take it from someone who has had an anxiety attack and got a DNF in a race 2 years ago because of it.  They are really nice once you are used to them, but if you're not, they are intimidating to some.

I consider my wetsuit my security blanket now...being that I suck in the water, and I can admit it, it helps to know I have that on to help me through!

I hope I am helping rather than confusing...

 Why do I sometimes get a different temperature reading off my temperature gauge than CoastWatch shows on the contour image map?
The satellite scans the top millimeter of the water temperature. Your temp gauge might be through the hull or down on your transom; several inches or a few feet below the surface. That explains some of the differences. Also, don't forget that the afternoon CoastWatch images are going to display reflected and surface heat, so evening or early morning imagery will more likely be similar to what you find out on the lake using your temp gauge. And remember, CoastWatch gives you general insight on a fairly large scale. Don't try to make it work right down to the resolution of your temperature gauge.

The water temp could be colder than this map.

Lake Michigan is frigging cold.So, fellow triathletes and more specifically, any of you who are larger than a supermodel, or just plain large today, in mere hours. Try on a wet suit....

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 maria

 http://www.drugtreatments.com/illinois

It's looking lilke off and on rain in Chicago from now (thurs morn) through basically Saturday night/Sunday morning...with a nice day for the race.

Anybody know what the rain might do to the lake temp?  Would that make it colder?

I know last year I was AMAZED at how cold the water felt when I jumped in and for the first 1/4 mile.  I had a sleeveless wetsuit on, but it still completely took my breath away and I couldn't get the breathing right for a 1/4 mile because it was so cold. Not sure if I'm just a wuss, but I would be ready for the water to feel COLD at the start.  Once I got going and heated up, I actually enjoyed the feeling of the cold water on my exposed ankles/feet and on my arms...don't think I would have enjoyed it without a wetsuit though.

Yes, that is actually what happened last year.  It rained almost all week, though, last year and I don't think they are predicting that much rain.  That being said, I was in Ohio Street Beach swimming last Thursday and it was pretty temperate.  My legs actually over heated in my wetsuit.

However, since I'm bumping up to the Oly distance, I'm wearing it no matter what, unless they deem it not legal (78F) and I would be shocked if that water ever gets that warm. 

Wear it.  You will be fine.