Enormous Change to Lake Effect Snow Forecasts in New York State

Like it or not, cold weather will be here soon across New York State! As fall transitions into early winter, significant snowfall becomes part of the routine for many residents of the Empire State. But when the snow starts to fly, you might be surprised to learn that some of it comes from a unique feature of New York: the Great Lakes.

Lake Effect Snow Is Part of New York Winter

We have been dealing with some significant early season snowfall over the last couple of seasons. Typically, we get some pretty good lake effect snowstorms here in New York, but it seems like the season has started earlier in recent years, with some storms arriving as early as October and November.

The lake effect snow bands also seem to have shifted in parts of Western New York. The traditional snow belt appears to have moved farther north in some areas, while communities just south of Buffalo can still see some impressive snowfall totals when the conditions are right.

The Great Lakes Can Create Major Snowstorms

Do you ski? Perhaps you have a snowmobile?

I always tell people that if you don’t like winter, maybe you should find something that makes the season a little easier, or even more exciting, to deal with.

We go through a long stretch of cold weather and snowfall here, and until the lakes freeze over, the Great Lakes can help produce some pretty significant snowstorms. Having something fun to do during the winter can make those long stretches of cold weather that much better.

It can also be a great family activity. Getting outside to ski, snowshoe, sled or simply enjoy the snow together can turn a long winter into something the whole family looks forward to.

Lake Ontario Has A New Name

Although we don’t know exactly how much snow New York will get this year, there has been plenty of discussion about the Great Lakes recently.

The National Weather Service is proceeding with using the name Lake America for Lake Ontario when it is referenced in forecasts and maps. That means that when a snowstorm develops over what we have traditionally called Lake Ontario, the lake effect snow could be described as coming off Lake America instead.

"NWS is in the process of implementing Executive Order 14422, “Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America”. Work is underway to update naming conventions as quickly as possible on online maps, weather products, websites and other materials across the NWS. Caution will be exercised to avoid disruptions to operations".

If you live east of Lake America, that could mean some pretty significant snowfall in areas such as the Tug Hill region when the right weather pattern develops.

Cold Air Over Warm Water Is A Recipe For Snow

I love the snow. I don’t necessarily love the long, frigid winters like the one we experienced last year, but getting enough snowfall for the kids to use their sleds, watching the seasons change and seeing snow around the holidays is certainly exciting.

Now is the time to get ready as we officially transition from summer into fall.

Because here in New York, you know what’s coming next: cold air moving over warm Great Lakes water, and the perfect recipe for lake effect snow.