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Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast

NOAA 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. Western Lake Erie has been plagued by an increase of HABs intensity over the past decade. These blooms consist of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, which are capable of producing toxins that pose a risk to human and animal health, foul coastlines, and impact communities and businesses that depend on the lake. A combination of satellite image (for bloom location and extent), a forecasting and mixing model provide information on the current status of the bloom, forecasted position both at the surface and at depth, and toxicity from field samples. See individual products and our FAQs for more information. For our Lake Erie Hypoxia forecast click here.

Forecast Products

The 2024 cyanobacteria bloom has ended. We will issue the 2024 Seasonal Assessment next week. We will return in May 2025 with more information. For satellite images of western Lake Erie, check the western Lake Erie HAB Monitoring Page. --The NCCOS HAB Forecasting Team 05 November 2024
The past few days of imagery can be seen at the HAB monitoring site. The Lake Erie Forecast is operated by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. Contact hab@noaa.gov for technical Questions. Last Updated: 2024-11-06 02 PM EST

Observed Bloom Position

(from most recent satellite image)

Current satellite imagery from the Ocean Land Color Imager (OLCI) and true color imagery showing bloom location and extent.

Please note, 11/04/2024 is the last model run for the 2024 bloom season.

Forecasted Bloom Position

(from modelling)

Forecasted extent and position of the bloom for a minimum of 96 hours, based on a combination of a hydrodynamic modeled currents and satellite imagery for initial bloom location.

Please note, 11/04/2024 is the last model run for the 2024 bloom season.

Vertical Mixing Forecast

Forecast of the potential for mixing over the next at least 96 hours, to determine the likelihood that the bloom is at the surface or subsurface.

Please note, 11/04/2024 is the last model run for the 2024 bloom season.

HAB Alerts

HABs in Lake Erie pose a risk to human and animal health, foul coastlines, and negatively impact communities and businesses. Sign up to receive Lake Erie HAB updates via email.

2024 Western Lake Erie Projections

The early season projection estimates bloom severity based on Maumee River discharge and modeled phosphorus loads. It is issued weekly from May until the seasonal forecast is announced.


2024 Lake Erie Seasonal Forecast Event

The official seasonal forecast for Lake Erie was announced on June 27, 2024 during a live webinar hosted in collaboration with Ohio Sea Grant. View the press release or watch the recorded event.

Additional Resources
For other data on Lake Erie HABs, visit one of these websites:

For safety information on these blooms, visit the Ohio EPA website.