Forecasting 101: Lake Effect Snow

I am sure common sense has told you that the Great Lakes are part of why the states surrounding them get so much snow during the winter months. But today, we are going to learn about what exactly the lake's part is in this process.

During early winter before the lakes have frozen, cool air passes over the relatively warm lake waters. As it does the lakes warm the bottom of the cool air. Then because warm air is lighter then cool air it rises. When the warm air rises it it starts to cool it condensates the water within the warmer air. This condensation will cause clouds to form and then with enough moisture present will start to precipitate in the form of snow. As you can see below the average annual snowfall map for the Great Lakes Region is quite impressive.

Now you may be asking yourself why doesn't this happen in the summer? Well, this phenomenon only works when it is cold because cool air holds less moisture then a warm cloud, hence a cooler cloud will precipitate faster then a warm cloud. 

Also the Lake Effect snow stops after the lakes have ice on them.

Photo From:
Fox11online.com