Forecasters say that a drop in temperatures has contributed to the weakening of an algae bloom that has moved off of Windsor-Essex.
According to the latest forecast from the U.S. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), a division of NOAA, a cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, bloom in western Lake Erie has shrunk in size.
Colour-enhanced satellite images taken on Sunday show a strand of algae in a curved line between Monroe, Michigan, and the area spanning Kingsville and Leamington.
"The cyanobacteria bloom is present in western Lake Erie, but cloud cover or winds above nine miles per hour (or 14.5 kilometres per hour) prevent determining the area," read the forecast from NCCOS. "Clouds have obscured satellite imagery over the past several days. Imagery from September 29 shows the bloom offshore of Monroe, Michigan, extending north of the islands towards Colchester, Ontario. Patches of the bloom are still present along the Michigan and Ohio coasts, including in Maumee Bay."
The blue-green colouring of the image depicts low- and medium-density algae.
"In the satellite imagery or bloom forecast position products, any areas that are orange or red are likely to have scum, especially during calm winds," read the forecast.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit said that blue-green algae is commonplace during late summer and early fall.
"Exposure to harmful microcystins poses a health risk to everyone," read the health unit's official website. "However, those most at risk for severe illness are children six years of age and younger and pets that swim in and/or drink contaminated water."
During a blue-algae bloom, the health unit recommends avoiding contact with the water. Should contact occur, wash the affected area thoroughly with clean water. Boiling or treating the water is strongly discouraged, as it may worsen water quality.
