Lake Effect Snow
Lake Effect Snow is when a cold front passes over warm water and the evaporating warm water is condensed into clouds. Because it is a cold front that is passing, the condensed water usually precipitates as snow on the shores of the lake. For example, lets say Lake Michigan's water is at 32 degrees farenheit. A cold front passes over it while evaporation is occuring and clouds form. Once the cold front hits land its starts to precipitate, usually as snow (see picture to left). Some Michigan cities and counties that are hit hardest with Lake Effect Snow are Milwuakee, Muskegon, Charlevoix, Gaylord, Kalamazoo, South Haven, Jackson, And everywhere in between. Some places can get up to 4 or 5 feet of snow! You can go to weather.com on the link below to find out more.