Winter’s not yet over and the season has brought its share of subzero temperatures, snow and ice. However, warmer temperatures this week probably are bringing out the spring fever in some people.

Warmer weather, though, still poses a danger.

Although this winter has been colder than some previous seasons, it hasn’t been as frigid as the winter of 2013-14, which resulted in prolonged below-zero temperatures – and frozen pipes and late-spring icebergs in Lake Superior.

The National Weather Service in Negaunee Township has called for temperatures in the 40s this week. According to well-established science, temps above 32 degrees mean melting ice.

So, the U.S. Coast Guard is urging people to use caution on Great Lakes waterways because of unstable ice.

That means northern ice too. The warning specifically notes Lake Superior as well as the northern parts of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

Although ice might look sturdy, the Coast Guard warns that people are at risk of falling through ice in temperatures above freezing. People particularly are cautioned to stay away from cracks, pressure ridges, seams, slushy areas and darker areas of ice since they are potential hazards.

However, there’s a good side to the warmer conditions. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder was to begin breaking ice this week in Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. In 2014, ice didn’t begin to deteriorate until mid-April. In fact, Lake Superior ice was at its thickest in two decades.

Just because the ice may appear thick in some areas doesn’t mean it’s safe.

For one thing, ice-breaking operations create hazardous conditions in harbors, ports and waterways.

Also, wind can cause ice to crack and create ice floes that can drift away from land.

The Coast Guard asks people to remember the acronym ICE, which in this case stands for information, clothing and equipment. People should get the right information about weather, wear the appropriate clothing and bring the right equipment, such as a registered personal locator beacon and a life jacket.

Perhaps better advice would be just to stay away from ice altogether in warmer temperatures. As the saying goes, “No ice is safe ice.”