Great Lakes Ice Cover Declines After Warm Spell

Recent warm weather has melted significant ice on the Great Lakes, but colder air is forecast to return.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Michigan's recent warm spell has caused a significant decline in ice cover on the Great Lakes. As of February 20th, the Great Lakes were only 33.66% ice-covered, down from 51% just a week earlier. Lake Superior saw the biggest drop, going from 53.44% ice cover on February 14th to just 22.63% on February 20th. However, colder air is expected to return this weekend, which could lead to an increase in ice coverage heading into next week.

Why it matters

The amount of ice cover on the Great Lakes is an important indicator of winter weather patterns and can have significant impacts on the region's economy, transportation, and ecosystem. Fluctuations in ice cover can affect shipping, fishing, and recreational activities on the lakes.

The details

According to the U.S. National Ice Center, the Great Lakes' ice cover dropped from 35.37% on February 19th to 33.66% on February 20th. Lake Erie, which had reached a peak of 95.6% ice cover last week, now stands at 83.53% coverage. Lake St. Clair is at 89.91% cover. Lake Superior saw the biggest decrease, dropping from 53.44% on February 14th to just 22.63% on February 20th.

  • As of February 19, the Great Lakes were 35.37% ice-covered.
  • As of February 20, the Great Lakes' ice cover had decreased slightly to 33.66%.
  • On February 14, Lake Superior reached a peak of 53.44% ice cover.
  • As of February 20, Lake Superior's ice cover had dropped to 22.63%.
  • Last week, Lake Erie reached a peak of 95.6% ice cover, but as of February 20 it had decreased to 83.53%.

The players

U.S. National Ice Center

The U.S. National Ice Center is the organization that tracks and reports on ice cover on the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL)

GLERL is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program that conducts research and monitoring on the Great Lakes.

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What’s next

Colder air is forecast to return to the state this weekend, according to the National Weather Service, so an uptick in ice coverage is possible heading into next week.

The takeaway

The fluctuations in Great Lakes ice cover highlight the sensitivity of the region's winter weather patterns. As the climate continues to change, monitoring and understanding these trends will be crucial for managing the lakes' ecosystems and economies.