The Winter Weather Advisory that was in effect until 1 am Saturday for the lakeshore counties and the next set of counties east of the lakeshore counties (Kalamazoo, Barry, Kent, Newaygo and Lake) plus Calhoun County has expired.
With the wind today, had the kids been in school, this may have been the first snow day of 2025. Out by the lakeshore we are getting periods of heavy snow and then periods of calm. Typical lake effect bands coming off of the water.
Bill- what is your “Lake Michigan Ice Forecast” for 2025? Rather what % of of the big lake will be covered in nice at peak?
First, the lake is warmer than average for early January. Second, we do have a reasonably cold period coming up over the next 10 days. Third, I think we're warmer than average again for the end of the month and perhaps February as well. So, I don't see much ice on Lake Michigan this winter. Here's historic maximum ice extent on Lake Michigan: https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/ice/glicd/AMIC/Michigan.png This will be the third winter in a row with low ice extent on the lake.
We had a couple bands here (Forest Hills) last night. With the really cold temps the roads are still a bit slick! But with the NW flow, the bands did shift SW again
With the wind today, had the kids been in school, this may have been the first snow day of 2025. Out by the lakeshore we are getting periods of heavy snow and then periods of calm. Typical lake effect bands coming off of the water.
Bill- what is your “Lake Michigan Ice Forecast” for 2025? Rather what % of of the big lake will be covered in nice at peak?
Covered in ice, not “covered in nice”. lol!
First, the lake is warmer than average for early January. Second, we do have a reasonably cold period coming up over the next 10 days. Third, I think we're warmer than average again for the end of the month and perhaps February as well. So, I don't see much ice on Lake Michigan this winter. Here's historic maximum ice extent on Lake Michigan: https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/ice/glicd/AMIC/Michigan.png This will be the third winter in a row with low ice extent on the lake.
We had a couple bands here (Forest Hills) last night. With the really cold temps the roads are still a bit slick! But with the NW flow, the bands did shift SW again
Thanks Bill! Your posts (as always) continue to be accurate and informative. I’m thankful for your timely updates!