This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

If you are looking for reprieve from the hot temperatures, you may only want to dip your toes in the water this week.

If you are looking for reprieve from the hot temperatures, you may only want to dip your toes in the water this week.

If you are looking for an escape from the unseasonably warm weather, taking a dip in the Great Lakes isn't a good option yet, according to surface water temperature data.

The National Weather Service forecasted most of Michigan will see summer-like temperatures this week. Northern Michigan is forecasted to see temperatures in the upper 70s Thursday, and Friday's temperatures in the low 80s. In the Great Lakes Bay Region and central Michigan, those temperatures increase to the low 80s Wednesday and mid-80s on Thursday and Friday. 

However, according to Seagull, the Great Lakes Observing System, Lake Michigan is seeing an average water temperature of 40° and Lake Huron isn't much warmer, with the exception of the Saginaw Bay, with a surface water temperature of near 50°. Lake Huron also has a swath of much lower water temperatures — 38° — that stretch just off the shoreline.

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, there is no defined optimal swimming temperature, but the usual "comfortable" swimming temperature is around 70-78° Fahrenheit. Swimming in water that is much colder than that can cause hypothermia.

"Hypothermia, a subnormal body temperature, can occur in waters with cold or even moderate temperatures. Even in the summer, prolonged immersion in water temperatures below 70° Fahrenheit can produce hypothermia," NCEI reports. "The body quickly surrenders its heat to cold water and chilled blood can impair the heart and brain. Swimming or treading water will greatly increase heat loss and may limit your range to less than one-half mile. Use H.E.L.P. (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) if alone or huddle with others. This will significantly extend your survival time."

According to the Mayo Clinic, someone with hypothermia is often unaware of the condition because it begins gradually.

Shivering is likely the first thing you'll notice as the temperature starts to drop because it's your body's automatic defense against cold temperature — an attempt to warm itself.

Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:

The Mayo Clinic offers the following tips for the safe enjoyment of cold water.

Water doesn't have to be extremely cold to cause hypothermia. Any water that's colder than normal body temperature causes heat loss. The following tips may increase your survival time in cold water if you accidentally fall in:

Even strong swimmers can lose muscle control in about 10 minutes in cold water. The only difference between life and death in cold water may be your life jacket. #WearIt pic.twitter.com/0RBuwJWVvJ

Scott Nunn is the audience development editor for the Hearst Midwest Community.

Scott previously was the assistant editor at the Huron Daily Tribune.

Prior to becoming a journalist, he was in graphic design, advertising sales, wholesale lumber and was even a pizza and short order cook. While he attended college for a couple stints, Scott attributes most of the skills he has acquired to his thirst for knowledge, excellent family and a history of wonderful mentors.

Scott is a self-described lover of food, YouTube junkie, proud handyman and a bit of a class clown.

Scott and his wife Shannon have four kids, three dogs and four cats.