4Warn Weather – Following multiple days of below-normal temperatures, ice cover on the Great Lakes has risen rapidly.
Here is the ice coverage percentage from the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) for each of the Great Lakes as of Jan. 18, 2026.
- Lake Superior: 7.05%
- Lake Michigan: 14.34%
- Lake Huron: 24.64%
- Lake Erie: 44.69%
- Lake Ontario: 4.19%
- Lake St. Clair: 93.84%
The overall Great Lakes ice coverage was 16.54%.
Look at the increase in just over one week. These are the totals as of January 27, 2026.
- Lake Superior: 24.69%
- Lake Michigan: 28.59%
- Lake Huron: 50.17%
- Lake Erie: 94.63%
- Lake Ontario: 19.21%
- Lake St. Clair: 100.00%
The overall Great Lakes ice coverage was 38.09%.
Ice coverage in the lower lakes typically peaks in mid to late February, and in the upper lakes it’s usually at the end of February into early March.
Ice cover also plays a role in lake-effect snow.
With more open water, there is a greater chance of lake-effect snow forming, while more ice generally means less water to help produce snow bands.
More ice can also delay Spring.
Ice coverage limits evaporation, leading to a drier start to Spring.
Also, ice reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, so it takes more energy to melt, and the water remains cold for longer.
Any wind coming off the Great Lakes will help to keep temperatures cooler, even as the ground warms in later Spring.
A friendly reminder that if you’re going out on the ice, remember to check the thickness, especially since recent snowfall can make it tougher to see weak spots.
Find the latest forecast from the 4Warn Weather team here
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