How does weather affect Lake Winnipeg's algal blooms?

Blue Green algae on Lake Winnipeg occur when there is too much phosphorus compared to nitrogen in the water. This allows them to outcompete other algal species. Warm surface water temperatures and low winds over the open water months allow blue-green algae to form the surface blooms that are commonly observed on the lake. These blooms are unsightly, smell unpleasant, and can make water toxic to humans, fish, livestock and pets. Algal blooms over Lake Winnipeg have been increasing in size and frequency over the past several decades. How does the weather affect these blooms? View this data story to find out how we can use weather data collected on the lake to explore blooms.