Signs Point To Record Year For Lake Effect Snow Around Lake Superior

We've had a pretty mild fall so far in 2025. Today was the first day I even saw a flurry on the radar, as things are finally starting to cool down. We had temperatures well into the 70s and 80s to start out the month in Northern Minnesota, and just days later, overnight temps dipped to the 20s. You really never know what you're going to get in the Northland when it comes to weather. Add in Lake Superior, and you've got even more possibilities.

Great Lakes Near-Record Warmth

The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory keeps records of the temperatures of the Great Lakes and other weather data. They say that this year, all 5 of the Great Lakes are seeing near-record warmth for this time of year. The only year where we had warmer water was in 2021.

Increased Chances Of Lake Effect Snow

Warmer water temperatures lead to an increase in the likelihood of lake effect snow. When cold Arctic air enters the region from Canada and moves across the warm open waters of the lake, it creates heavy snowfall. Lake effect snow can fall as fast as 2 or 3 inches an hour, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. 

Read More: Climate Change Has Moved Minnesota Colors Back Two Weeks

NOAA has already been predicting a colder-than-average winter for the upper Midwest. It's also leaning towards more precipitation than normal. This is an effect of a La Niña year, where the Pacific jet stream will be affected by cooler Pacific waters.

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How Much Above Normal Are The Lake Temperatures?

Lake Superior is 4.1 degrees Fahrenheit above average long-term temperatures. Lake Michigan is +5.5.