Early predictions for a small to moderate Lake Erie algae bloom this summer were backed up by an official forecast for this summer that was released late in June, according to the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides forecasts for seasonal blooms of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in Lake Erie, typically from July to October when warmer water creates favorable bloom conditions.
These projections estimate the potential severity for harmful algal blooms by factoring in rainfall and phosphorus loads that are discharged from the Maumee River to Lake Erie.
In addition to NOAA, partners in this project include Heidelberg University’s National Center for Water Quality Research, Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory and Ohio Sea Grant.
For this summer, NOAA continues to predict a small to moderate bloom with a severity ranging from 2 to 4.5 on a 10-point scale.
A smaller bloom (severity: 2.5-3.5), is expected if precipitation remains at or below average through July. Any bloom that develops will change throughout the summer and move with the wind and currents. NOAA will provide information on the presence and location of the bloom throughout the summer.
For more information, go to https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-forecasts/lake-erie/.
