Thinking about swimming in Lake Michigan to beat the heat this week? National Weather Service says think again

Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan
Photo credit © Cody Scanlan/Holland Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

(WWJ) — Heat and humidity have a grip on Metro Detroit and most of Michigan this week, with an Excessive Heat Warning in effect until at least Friday on this side of the state.

With these high temperatures, it may seem like a great day to head to the beach to cool off in the water. But the National Weather Service says on the west side of the state, that may not be the best idea.

The NWS is advising against swimming at many Lake Michigan beaches over the next couple of days. Big waves and strong currents are expected to develop Tuesday due to gusty winds and swimming will be dangerous.

Swimming at the popular beaches at Grand Haven State Park and Pere Marquette in Muskegon will be especially dangerous, with waves of four or more feet.

The NWS lists Lake Michigan beaches north of Grand Haven all the way to about Ludington under the “do not swim” category. Popular beaches south of Grand Haven, like Oval Beach in Saugatuck and theSouth Haven beaches are slightly safer, but officials say to use caution.

The swim risk is low at beaches along the southern coast of Lake Michigan near St. Joseph and in Northern Indiana.

Meanwhile on the east side of the state, the NWS has not issued any swim warnings.

The heat and humidity are expected to persist into the weekend, with temps hovering in the low 90s and AccuWeather RealFeel temperatures approaching triple digits.

Detroit and many other cities across the region are opening cooling centers to help residents stay safe and cool.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: © Cody Scanlan/Holland Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK