Meteorologist John Gross explains how increasing ice coverage on the Great Lakes during the cold winter months reduces the lakes’ usual moderating effect on temperatures, leading to more severe cold conditions in Michigan and surrounding areas.
Ice Coverage and Temperature Buffer
The Great Lakes typically act as a temperature buffer, warming nearby areas during Arctic air intrusions.
As winter progresses and Arctic air intensifies, ice coverage on the lakes increases.
This ice coverage prevents moisture evaporation, reducing lake effect snow and cloud formation.
More ice means less buffering, causing colder air temperatures over land.
Current Winter Conditions
Recent temperatures in Michigan and nearby states have been in the negative single digits or below zero.
Ice coverage is significant near Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron shoreline, Straits of Mackinac, Beaver Island, Little Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Bay, and parts of Lake Superior.
Water temperatures near these areas are at or below freezing, supporting ice formation.
Implications
With continued Arctic air influx and growing ice coverage, Michigan will experience harsher cold spells.
The usual warming effect of the Great Lakes diminishes as ice builds, increasing vulnerability to bitter cold.
This trend is expected to continue through February and the remainder of the winter season.