snowy scene Tuesday morning across the state

Hoosiers across the state wake up to a snowy scene, or even just snowflakes flying around. Areas in northern Indiana recorded measurable snowfall. All this snow is lake effect snow.

What is lake effect snow?

The National Weather Service’s definition of lake-effect snow is “snow that occurs when cold air, often sourced from Canada, flows over the open waters of the Great Lakes.” The cold air brushes the warmer, unfrozen waters of the Great Lakes. The heat and moisture are transferred to the atmosphere, the warm air rises and clouds form and grow into narrow bands that can produce heavy snowfall very quickly. Wind direction is crucial when it comes to determining where snow will fall.

Snowfall totals in Indiana

Areas of northern Indiana, including Kosciusko, Whitley, and Allen counties, have increased anywhere from dust to as much as 4 inches of snowfall! Indianapolis provides for pollination on grassy and elevated areas.

Average first measurable snowfall statewide

• Indianapolis: Nov. 19
• Fort Wayne: November 14
• South Bend: November 8th
• Evansville: December 8th

Indy’s earliest date for first measurable snowfall was October 18, 1989. The first day of measurable snowfall during the 2021 season was November 14, not far from the average first measurable snowfall.

Fort Wayne’s earliest first measurable snowfall was September 25, 1942. South Bend’s earliest first measurable snowfall was September 25 in both 1942 and 1994. Evansville’s earliest measurable snowfall was October 19, 1989.