MICHIGAN CITY Overcast skies, temperatures in the mid-30s and a strong, biting wind that sent grains of sand hurtling through the air like tiny needles doesn't sound like ideal beach weather. Despite the conditions, there was a steady flow of traffic into Michigan City's Washington Park Beach on Thursday.

Sustained winds around 20 mph with gusts to near 40 churned up 14- to 18-foot waves on Lake Michigan. The conditions prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to warn people to stay away from beaches, and stay off rocks, jetties and piers.

"The Coast Guard is advising people to stay away. It's just not safe," Petty Officer 3rd Class Luis Morales, of the Coast Guard's Station Michigan City. "The Coast Guard is advising recreational boaters not to go out at all and is urging caution for commercial operations."

Through late morning Thursday, Morales said Coast Guard crews in Michigan City hadn't been called out for any rescues.

"Thankfully, I think people are heeding caution and are staying away from the water," he said.

At Washington Park Beach, curious onlookers came in a steady stream and ventured to the walkway next to the beach for a view of the surf pounding the shoreline.

"We decided it would be a great time to bring my granddaughter to see what it's like when it's not so sunny and warm," Susan Salzer, of LaPorte said.

Salzer and her granddaughter, Shyanne Fulton, 12, of Elkhart, bundled up in heavy coats and hoods posed for photographs for spring break.

"I think this is pretty cool," Fulton said.

The unseasonably cool weather, that included a few snow showers early Thursday across the South Bend region, is expected to move out as the weekend approaches.

Christopher Roller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service northern Indiana office, said beginning Friday temperatures will begin a steady warming trend with highs in the mid-40s on Friday, around 60 degrees on Saturday and near 70 for Sunday and Monday.

"High pressure will be building in across the region which will cause the wind to shift around and come out of the south allowing for the warming trend the area will see this weekend," Roller said.

The weather is continuing to be atypical following a mild and largely snow-free winter. Since October 1, South Bend has only recorded 41.6 inches of snow a full two feet below normal.

While the snow hasn't fallen to a large degree in South Bend, raindrops have been plentiful.

Roller said South Bend has seen 11.82 inches of rain since January 1, more than 4.5 inches above normal.

"We were running near normal for precipitation through February," Roller said. "As soon as we hit March we've had quite a barrage of low pressure systems hit the area. It's been quite active."

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Strong winds, heavy surf batter Michigan City's beaches - South Bend Tribune