Lake Michigan water temperatures

Dear Tom,
How do winds affect Lake Michigan water temperatures? Is the lake still warm
enough for one more family outing at the St. Joseph, Mich., beach?
Mark Tieszen
Dear Mark,
Current Lake Michigan water temperatures are available at this web address:
http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/twomichigans.html
Right now (Sept. 19), waters at St. Joseph are in the upper 60s.
During the warmer months of the year, a layer of mild water at the surface
of Lake Michigan floats over much cooler water beneath it. Winds push the
surface waters around and stormy weather causes colder water to mix upward.
The highest surface water temperatures therefore occur during periods of
sunny, tranquil weather. Onshore winds will push the warmest surface water
to the beaches, whereas offshore winds cause cold-water upwelling at the
beaches.