As the Heat Sets Into Oklahoma, So Does the Algae

After what turned out to be a shockingly wet and mild spring, the summer temps are hitting Oklahoma right out of the gate.

While the news of clear, hot days may mean endless lake days for that crowd, it also means a risk of pet and people harmful algae.

Obviously, nobody in their right mind would hop straight into the muck like this, but algae blooms aren't limited to where you see them on the surface of the water.

All the same, not all algae blooms are harmful. In Oklahoma, it's the blue-green algae blooms that pose a real threat to people and pets.

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It can cause symptoms anywhere from a mild rash all the way acute gastroenteritis in every living thing. Even death of the fish.

Luckily, it really takes just the perfect storm of lake conditions to produce these harmful blooms.

Ample rain, hot temperatures, and since algae is plankton, plenty of sunlight. Looking at the spring rain data, and the forecast for the foreseeable future, blue-green algae blooms are a real possibility.

Fortunately, you're not on your own when it comes to such things. The state does a good job of monitoring these blooms, and almost every lake is studied and sampled each week throughout the season.

Not only for algae, but for outdoor activities, fishing reports, and such too.

Before you hit the water, it's worth the few minutes it takes to lookup your local swimming hole. Click here to check conditions on your lake.