Lake-effect snow is produced during cooler atmospheric conditions when a cold air mass moves across long expanses of warmer lake water. The lower layer of air, heated by the lake water, picks up water vapor from the lake and rises through colder air.

Lake Effect snow occurs when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes. As the cold air passes over the unfrozen and relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, warmth and moisture are transferred into the lowest portion of the atmosphere.

Lake-effect snow is a fascinating meteorological phenomenon that occurs in certain regions near large bodies of water, particularly the Great Lakes in North America. Here's how it works.

What is Lake Effect Snow? Lake Effect Snow (LES) is very common across the Great Lakes region during the late fall and winter. LES occurs when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes.

Nov 11, 2016 · Lake-effect snow is a weather phenomenon created when cold, dry air picks up moisture and heat by passing over a relatively warmer lake, such as one of the Great Lakes or the Great Salt Lake.

Dec 5, 2024 · Lake effect snow forms when cold, below-freezing air passes over a lake’s warmer waters. This causes some lake water to evaporate and warm the air. Then, the moist air moves away from the lake. After cooling, the air dumps its moisture on …

Nov 29, 2024 · At a Glance Lake-effect commonly falls around the Great Lakes from late-fall into winter. It can deliver extreme snow totals in hours or over multiple days when atmospheric conditions are...

6 days ago · Lake effect snow is generated when cold air moves over warm lake waters such that narrow bands of snow clouds develop. The warmer lake waters heat the lower portions of air, …

The Lake Effect phenomenon is well-known and studied in meteorological circles. Northern or westerly winds blow over the lakes’ surface, picking up heat and water vapor that produce warm columns of air known as “thermals.”

WHAT IS LAKE EFFECT SNOW? Lake effect snow results from the interaction between cold air passing over warmer lake water generating snow that is deposited in localized regions downwind from the lake.