Context: Several states in the US are witnessing snowfall as a result of the ‘Lake Snow Effect.’
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Key facts about Lake Snow Effect.
What is the Lake Snow Effect?
- It is a localised weather phenomenon where heavy snowfall occurs near large bodies of water.
- It is mostly witnessed near the Great Lakes in North America, during colder months.
- Mechanism:
- The cold air (often originating from Canada) moves over the warmer surface of the lakes.
- The lower layer of the air is warmed by the lake’s surface and picks up water vapour from the lakes, and rises through colder air.
- The warm, moist air rises into the colder atmosphere above. Rapid cooling causes the moisture to condense, forming clouds.
- The clouds grow into a narrow band that results in heavy snowfall, often producing 2–3 inches or more per hour.
