“Gales of November” Batter Upper Michigan With 59 MPH Winds Across Lake Superior
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — The legendary “Gales of November” returned in full force this week, delivering wind gusts nearing 60 miles per hour across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior. The National Weather Service in Marquette confirmed multiple high wind readings as the powerful early-November system swept across the Great Lakes region.
59 MPH Gust Recorded at Stannard Rock Lighthouse
According to NWS data, the strongest gust reached 59 mph at the Stannard Rock Lighthouse, located roughly 24 miles southeast of Keweenaw Point. The exposed lighthouse often records some of the most extreme wind conditions in the Great Lakes.
Other notable gusts were clocked at 56 mph near Minneapolis Shoal and Rock of Ages Lighthouse, while Copper Harbor and Grand Marais each reported 52 mph winds.
The widespread gusts, ranging between 40 and 55 mph, affected both coastal and inland communities, with Lake Superior buoys registering winds up to 47 mph as the storm system moved eastward.
A Seasonal Phenomenon: Why the “Gales of November” Happen
Forecasters explained that this wind event is part of a seasonal weather pattern known locally as the “Gales of November.” These powerful storms typically occur when cold Arctic air masses collide with the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, producing intense low-pressure systems that generate dangerous waves and high winds.
“This time of year, it’s not unusual for us to see sustained winds in the 40s and gusts over 50 mph,” meteorologists with the NWS Marquette office noted. “It’s a reminder of how dynamic and volatile the weather can be on Lake Superior in November.”
Historically, the “Gales of November” are infamous among Great Lakes mariners, immortalized in songs and stories about shipwrecks such as the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank during a fierce November storm in 1975.
Impacts on Shoreline and Inland Areas
While no major damage has been reported, the strong westerly winds caused choppy waters, high waves, and minor flooding along portions of the Lake Superior shoreline. Mariners were advised to exercise caution as wave heights exceeded 10 feet in some offshore locations.
Local residents also experienced downed branches, power flickers, and reduced visibility due to blowing debris in open areas.
“This was a textbook Gale of November,” said one Marquette resident. “You could hear the wind roaring across the bay all night long.”
Winds Expected to Ease Midweek
Forecasters say the worst of the system has already passed, but lingering gusts between 25 and 35 mph may persist along the lakeshore through midweek. Conditions are expected to calm further by Thursday as the low-pressure system moves toward eastern Canada.
However, meteorologists caution that this won’t be the last strong wind event of the season.
“These November systems come in waves,” the NWS added. “We could see another round of gale-force winds before the month is over.”
Residents and boaters are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and stay updated on Marine Warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
Stay tuned to NapervilleLocal.com for more Midwest and Great Lakes weather updates throughout the week.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.