Lake-effect snow commonly produces heavy snowfall in regions downwind of large lakes, such as areas adjacent to the Great Lakes.
November 24, 2025
high
process
Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves over relatively warmer lake waters, enhancing precipitation downwind.
Lake-effect snow is a meteorological phenomenon in which snow develops in relatively narrow bands downwind of a lake and can produce locally heavy snowfall that substantially increases totals in some areas while nearby locations receive little or no snow.
November 10, 2025
high
process
Explains how localized, intense snow bands form near lakes and cause uneven snowfall distribution.
Lake-effect snowfall is produced when relatively warmer lake surface waters enhance moisture transfer into overlying cold air masses, leading to increased snowfall downwind of large lakes such as the Great Lakes.
high
meteorological
Explains the mechanism by which temperature contrast between lake water and cold air generates enhanced snowfall downwind.