CLEVELAND — The worst thing that happens in Cleveland during the spring has returned.

Midges are overtaking Northeast Ohio.

They are most noticeable near the lake but can be seen all over Northeast Ohio.

We are currently watching everyone's favorite insect battling the wind here along the lake. We see higher values of differential reflectivity (right image), meaning the targets are larger horizontally than vertically. #OHwx #CLEwx #midges pic.twitter.com/C81yEyy0mY — NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) May 22, 2019

While gross, midges do have a purpose. They are a sign of good health for Lake Erie. Midges are hatched from the lake when the water warms up in the spring. They provide food for fish and other aquatic life, according to the Lake County General Health District.