Winter 2025: The Lake Effect and Snowmelt
Happy 2025! The 10 hottest years on record have happened in the past decade, and 2024 was the hottest ever; it is not a surprise that the forecasted weather for the Great Lakes region is supposed to be warmer than normal, albeit with some intense cold snaps and storms on the way.
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January is often the snowiest month in the Midwest, aided by the lake effect. A lake-effect storm is created when cold, dry air passes over a warm lake, often resulting in inches to feet of precipitation in surrounding areas. However, due to warming air and water conditions, evaporation-blocking ice will melt; in other words, at the end of this century, lake-effect precipitation is expected to increase by 14%!
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Extra precipitation combined with warmer winters spell trouble for a variety of reasons: the snow cover is reduced, lessening the meltwater available in the spring. Crops are exposed to frost, diseases spread easier, and even the winter sports industry is suffering. But the biggest threat we face is from snowmelt, and the runoff and pollution it contributes to communities.
Across the country, aging stormwater infrastructure is nearing or has passed its intended lifespan and cannot keep up with current demands, while ghost streams are fueling urban flooding further. Even inland areas around the mountains may be subjected to lethal flooding! Even scarier, is that most places are not equipped with adequate flood gauges or sensors to provide residents with significant warning.
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Flooding is further compounded by current drought conditions; because the ground is unable to absorb water, the excess puddles and collects. Even if the weather might be warm enough to allow for rain, the ground will still not have thawed enough until spring, if not later.
The best way to prevent flooding while the snow is melting is to conduct some winter digging to increase drainage, and/or install rain gardens and rain barrels. Also ensure all storm drains are clear and spread snow around to reduce the intensity of snowmelt. Lastly, start preparing your garden for spring, as plants and green infrastructure can filter and absorb runoff. Let's make 2025 a safe year for everyone and reduce flooding where possible!