When does Lake Effect commonly occur?

Lake Effect commonly occurs during winter when cold air moves over warmer lake waters. This phenomenon leads to the evaporation of moisture from the lake surface, resulting in increased humidity in the lower atmosphere. As this moist air travels over the colder land, it cools, resulting in the formation of clouds and often leading to significant snowfall in the areas downwind of the lake. The temperature contrasts between the cold air and the warmer lake water are most pronounced in winter, creating the ideal conditions for this weather pattern to develop.

In other seasons, such as spring and summer, the temperature differences between the air and the lake water are generally less severe, which diminishes the likelihood of significant lake effect phenomena. In the fall, while there may still be some temperature contrast, it typically does not create the same level of lake effect snow due to the overall warming trend as the season progresses into winter. Thus, winter is the season when lake effect is most prevalent and impactful.