What is lake effect snow? North Texas may see the rare phenomenon Sunday
Weather forecasters say some areas in North Texas may see “lake effect snow” later on Sunday, after the skies have already cleared up.
What is lake effect snow?
It’s most common in the northern U.S. along the Great Lakes, and rarely in Texas. But it has happened before.
Lake effect snow is created when cold winds pass over warm waters, bringing moisture up into the atmosphere, which freezes and produces snow.
While the lakes around North Texas aren’t as warm or as big as the Great Lakes, the same weather event is taking place, Jason Dunn, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office, told us in January 2024.
Nearly all lakes in North Texas saw some type of lake snow effect, especially the larger bodies of water such as Lake Lewisville.
“We get a similar effect just on a much, much smaller scale,” Dunn said.
On Sunday morning, the weather service said it will monitor for the potential for lake effect snow in the Metroplex, to the south and southeast of larger lakes.
“The main area for this to occur will be along and east of the I-35 corridor where the lower-levels will remain more moist. Given the light nature of the lake effect snow, accumulations are unlikely,” the weather service said.
