The Science Behind Lake-Effect Snow

Lake-effect snow is a common occurrence in the colder months around the Great Lakes in the United States. Lake effect snow typically occurs between November and February. Following the summer, the Great Lakes heat up significantly, and since large bodies of water, like the Great Lakes, take a long time to cool, they are still relatively warm in the winter.

Lake-effect snow happens when cold air moves over the lakes, usually coming from Canada. At the same time, some of the warm water in the lakes evaporates and warms that air surrounding it. As this warm air rises, cools, and condenses, it forms clouds and it eventually drops rain or snow, if its cold enough.

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The wind and temperature play in a significant role in producing lots of snow within 100 miles of these lakes. If the temperature contrast between the lake water and the cold air moving above is greater, more moisture fills the air. Also, if the winds blow over a greater area of a lake, that allows for more moisture to add up, leading to more snow to fall in locations by the lake. Now you know the science behind lake-effect snow.

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