AccuWeather experts are forecasting an active weather pattern emerging in the Great Lakes and interior Northeast states, leading to waves of lake-effect snow through midweek. The initial storm, drawing Arctic air from Canada with strong winds over the lakes, is moving eastward at the beginning of the workweek. Snow accumulation around the Great Lakes will continue through Monday, followed by a round of lake-effect snow starting Monday evening.
Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham explained that the ongoing storm in the Great Lakes region will trigger more lake-effect snow downwind of Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario from Monday to Wednesday night, potentially causing hazardous travel conditions. Areas like the Keweenaw Peninsula, the Porcupine Mountains, and parts of Michigan along Lake Superior could see significant snow totals exceeding a foot by midweek.
Visibility may drop significantly in intense snow showers and squalls, with snowfall rates reaching 1-3 inches per hour in some bands. While motorists may face travel delays, snowmobilers and outdoor enthusiasts are likely to welcome the snow in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Temperatures will be frigid, with overnight lows in the teens and single digits across the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and interior Northeast. Parts of the Dakotas, Wisconsin, and Iowa could experience subzero temperatures, dropping as low as negative 20s Fahrenheit in places like Fargo, North Dakota. With wind gusts reaching 20-30 mph, the combination of brisk temperatures could result in RealFeel® Temperatures as low as -30 degrees or lower in some areas.
There is also a risk of snow showers extending into the Interstate 95 corridor by Tuesday, potentially affecting visibility and creating slippery roads. Despite the colder weather in January, temperatures remain slightly above average around the Great Lakes, with limited ice coverage except for some western shorelines and areas like Saginaw Bay, Lake St. Clair, and western Lake Erie.
Buckingham mentioned that although lake-effect snow events tend to weaken as winter progresses, the current conditions suggest another significant event due to the lakes’ low ice coverage and warmer temperatures. Subscribe to AccuWeather Premium for advanced severe weather alerts and an ad-free experience.
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