Lake-effect snow
Lake-effect snow forms when cold air passes over relatively warm lake water, gaining heat and moisture that fuel snow clouds downwind.
Cold-air outbreak: A surge of cold air moving into a region that is substantially warmer. It supplies the cold air that draws heat and moisture from the lake.
Lake water temperature: The temperature of water within a lake, which varies by depth, season, and location. Warmer water transfers more heat and vapor to passing cold air.
Lake-effect snow warning: An official alert issued when hazardous lake-effect snowfall is expected or occurring. Warnings communicate the localized risk of heavy snow, poor visibility, and dangerous travel.
Lake Erie snowbelt: A region southeast of Lake Erie that frequently receives heavy lake-effect snowfall. Westerly and southwesterly flows can carry Lake Erie snowbands into this corridor.
Ocean-effect snow: Snow produced when cold air crosses relatively warm ocean water and gains heat and moisture. It uses the same air–water mechanism, but over the ocean rather than a lake.
Atmospheric boundary layer: The lowest part of the atmosphere, directly influenced by the Earth's surface. Lake heating destabilizes this layer, allowing rising air to build snow clouds.
Air-sea interaction: The exchange of heat, moisture, and momentum between the atmosphere and a water surface. Lake-effect snow is a localized form of this atmosphere–water exchange.
Numerical weather prediction: Forecasting that uses computer models to simulate atmospheric conditions and their evolution. Models estimate lake-effect band placement, though small shifts can change local totals.
Tug Hill Plateau: A highland region east of Lake Ontario in New York State. Lake Ontario bands can be enhanced as they rise over this plateau.
Sea-effect snow: Snow generated when cold air moves over relatively warm seas, especially around coastal regions. It is the marine counterpart to lake-effect snow.