I’m often asked just what our Michigan weather would be like without the Great Lakes surrounding us. This weekend is a perfect example of what influence Lake Michigan has on Lower Michigan’s temperatures.

I think the low temperature maps for this weekend will show you clearly why I jokingly call Lower Michigan the “Banana Belt” of the Great Lakes region.

Here are the low temperature forecasts for Saturday morning and Sunday morning.

Saturday morning is a great example of the warming from Lake Michigan. The overall Lake Michigan surface water temperature now is 43 degrees. Just look at the low temperature forecasts from Sheboygan, WI and Manitowoc to just across the lake here in Ludington and Manistee. There is an 18 degree temperature difference.

Southern Lake Michigan has that same wa

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