The massive lake effect snow threat for New York State

It's time to fire up the snowmobiles and snowblowers and get ready for the start of lake effect snow season in New York State.

Have you been enjoying the above average temperatures here in New York State? Every day so far this week, meteorologists in New York state have been talking about the near-record and above-average warmth we've seen.

But sooner or later it will snow and the warm air we have could be to blame.

The biggest cause of lake effect snow is always the combination of warm lake water and cold air flowing over it. No, it doesn't have to be arctic air. It just needs to be cold enough to convert the moist air into snow, and the wind needs to be in just the right direction to drop foot-deep snow in some places in western and central New York State.

At the time of publishing this article, lake temperatures were:

Current lake temperatures

10:52 a.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 The water temperature off Buffalo is 61 degrees.

10:52 a.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 The water temperature off Rochester is 60 degrees.

Temperatures on Lake Ontario can change quickly. However, Lake Erie seems to maintain its mild water temperatures for extended periods of time, and that's why those who forecast the weather pay close attention to air temperatures and wind.

We are approaching November and we all know that the spring weather is about to change. The good news is that we're not expecting a cold and snowy Halloween this year!!