Why Lake-Effect Rain is a Bigger Concern This Time of the Year

Most people associate lake-effect precipitation with snow. Understandably, the lake-effect snow events that often bury the Great Lakes region are big headline grabbers. However, lake-effect rain can also present its own set of issues, particularly this time of the year when it is not cold enough for the moisture to fall as snow. Read on for all that you need to know about lake-effect rain.

Understanding the Mechanics of Lake-Effect Precipitation

Weather patterns all over the U.S. have been changing in recent weeks as fall becomes more entrenched and winter looms in the near future. The arrival of autumn in full force brings down the temperatures across the Great Lakes; however, it is still not chilly enough to fire up the lake-effect snow machine. Instead, the precipitation comes down primarily as rain this time of the year.

Lake-effect precipitation needs cold air to thrive. This is the time of the year when cold fronts dive down from Canada with more regularity across the Great Lakes. This infusion of cooler air sets the stage for the development of lake-effect precipitation. This is because the lake water temperatures are still relatively warm when compared to the air temperature readings.

The evaporation of the warm lake water sends moisture-rich air into the atmosphere. The clash of the cold and dry air above with this wet and warm air generates an instability in the atmosphere, causing clouds to rise higher and produce precipitation.