Insider Blog: Lake effect snow
Lake effect snow is caused by a fairly simple process, but one which can pack a punch nonetheless. The process begins when cold, dry air moves over a relatively warmer body of water.
The warmer, moister air from the lake rises and fills the cold airmass. This causes clouds to form over the lake.
The weather pattern will then push the moist airmass onto the land. Since the air over the land is much colder than over the water, all of the moisture precipitates out of the sky in the form of snow. This is why lake effect snow can sometimes lead to feet of snow falling over cities next to the Great Lakes.
We'll explain more about lake effect snow at 4 and 6 PM on News Channel 3!
