Lake Michigan’s beauty has turned into a hidden danger this morning. A sudden burst of thick fog has blanketed the Indiana-Michigan shoreline, causing extremely low visibility, especially near New Buffalo. Boaters and lake-goers are being urgently warned to stay off the water until at least 8:00 AM Thursday, as weather officials report hazardous conditions that could lead to dangerous incidents on the lake.
Weather Alert: Fog Takes Over the Lakefront
Early Thursday morning, a dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service. It’s not just a light mist floating around—this fog is thick, heavy, and disorienting, making it nearly impossible to see more than a few hundred feet ahead. The fog was formed when warm, moist air from the land collided with the cooler air above Lake Michigan, creating the perfect storm for low visibility.
This weather event is particularly dangerous for boaters, who rely heavily on sight to navigate. Without a clear view, even short trips can become risky and confusing. Authorities are urging everyone to avoid going out on the lake until conditions improve.
Where Is It Happening?
The most affected area right now is New Buffalo, Michigan, and its nearby shoreline. But the warning also extends across the entire lakefront region between Indiana and Michigan. Cities and towns along Berrien County, MI, and LaPorte County, IN, are all seeing dangerously limited visibility over the water.
If you’re planning any lake activity in this region—hold off for now.
What Makes This Fog So Risky?
This isn’t typical morning fog that lifts in an hour. It’s thick, slow to move, and it forms close to the surface of the water, where it’s most harmful to boaters. Even experienced captains can lose direction, miss docks, or collide with other boats.
Many boaters might assume their equipment or instincts are enough to get them through, but experts warn that this kind of fog blocks even radar signals in some cases, and reduces reaction time to nearly zero. It’s especially dangerous around sunrise, when lighting is low and boaters feel a false sense of security.
What You Should Do If You’re Boating
If you’re already out on the water and can’t get back right away, follow these life-saving steps:
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Turn on your navigation lights and use fog signals, like a horn, to alert nearby vessels
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Slow down immediately—don’t try to rush through it
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Use a compass or GPS device instead of relying on visuals
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Stay alert and avoid using mobile devices or music—focus fully on navigation
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If possible, anchor in a safe area and wait for visibility to improve
The Coast Guard and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and may respond to emergency calls, but they strongly encourage everyone to avoid unnecessary risks by staying onshore.
When Will It Get Better?
Forecasters expect the dense fog to lift gradually after 8:00 AM, once the sun rises higher and warms the air evenly across the lake and land. Until then, the fog will likely remain thick, especially over water where temperatures are cooler.
If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to head out, check local weather updates or marine forecasts before making any decisions.
The Bottom Line
Fog like this may seem harmless from land, but it can quickly become life-threatening on open water. If you’re in or near New Buffalo or anywhere along the Indiana-Michigan lakefront, please be cautious. Don’t let a morning trip turn into a rescue mission. It’s better to wait a few hours than to take a risk you’ll regret.
Stay safe, stay smart, and keep your eyes on the weather.
