Why so much snow so soon?

It seems hard to believe that the snow has begun to fall again from those pesky clouds.

Over 48  hours, the South Bend International Airport reported a total of 8.6 inches as of noon on Friday, November 14th. Those numbers shattered previous records for November. According to The South Bend International Airport, the previous snowfall record was set back on Tuesday, November 13th, 1973 with a total of 1.6 inches of snow. The annual average for the entire month of November is 4.4 inches.

The area went 4.2 inches over the monthly amount in a period of 48 hours thanks to our “wonderful” Lake Michigan which produces lake-effect snow.

According to NOAA, Lake-effect snow is produced during cooler atmospheric conditions when cold winds move across long expanses of warmer lake water, providing energy and picking up water vapor, which freezes and is deposited on the shores near the lake,  like the South Bend, Mishawaka, and Granger area.

How much snow might we get this winter? Well, many local stations such as WNDU, and WSBT are predicting anywhere from 84-91 inches of snow this season with very cold temperatures a degree or two below normal. However, NOAA is saying that  we will have a milder winter with less snow than usual. The only way we will really know is to get through this winter. So, while we have these cold, snowy days coming up, just remember that if you’re not a fan of the snow, spring always returns. And for those of you who love the snow, well, you’re off to a great start! Best wishes out there to everyone! Remember, layers, layers, layers.

Check out the NOAA Winter Outlook 2014-2015: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2014/20141016_winteroutlook.html