Lingering patches of ice in parts of southern Lake Superior in late May and early June were the most widespread on record for that time of year dating to at least the early 1980s.
June daytime air temperatures predominantly in the 60s and 70s, along with a handful of wet June days helped melt remaining chunks of floating ice.
Despite this, Lake Superior water temperatures continue to be quite cold, generally in the upper 30s and 40s.
One of the coldest winters on record, followed by a persistently chilly spring, were the culprits for this persistent lake ice.
December through March was the coldest such period on record in Marquette and Hancock, Michigan. High temperatures at the National Weather Service near Marquette failed to rise above freezing from Dec. 6-Feb. 18, a record 75-day streak. There were a record 65 days of subzero cold lows at NWS-Marquette, including a record latest subzero cold low on April 16 (-5 degrees).
(RECAP: One of Coldest Winters)
By March 5, just under 96 percent of Lake Superior was ice covered. That same week, Lake Michigan (93.29 percent) and Lake Huron (96.3 percent) also reached their maximum ice cover.
On May 15, the U.S. Coast Guard wrapped up what it said was the nation's largest domestic ice operation after over five months of ice-breaking operations in the northern Great Lakes. One eastbound crossing of ice-choked Lake Superior by the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw took nine days. Normally, this is a one-day voyage.
http://www.weather.com/news/great-lakes-ice-free-june-20140613
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