Ever wonder why Michigan is so cloudy in the winter? It’s not a natural phenomenon, but climate change is having a negative impact on Upper Midwest winters. Winters in Detroit in 2013-2014 were particularly dreary. Across the state, the upper part is looking like an arctic tundra, and a lot of the precipitation was melting in the fall. The state’s winters are getting more dreary.
Lake Michigan
The reason that Lake Michigan is so cloudy in the winter is due to the influence of clouds. The lakes have a cooling effect on the region, and lake effect clouds can extend up to 20 miles inland. In addition to influencing temperature, lake effect clouds also affect high and low temperatures. Clouds that are heavier at night may contribute to the colder temperatures during the day. This is one of the reasons why the Grand Rapids area is often cloudy during the winter.
This cloudiness affects both the health and mood of people. In fact, a recent study revealed that people who live in the most cloudy states have the highest levels of depression. Because of these problems, some people opt for warmer climates. But when the Great Lakes are affected by a large ice sheet, they are often cloudy. If you’ve ever wondered how the lake is so cloudy, this article will answer your question.
The cloudy weather of Lake Michigan can be attributed to two factors. The first is the presence of a large lake. It acts as a buffer from extremely cold weather that threatens the surrounding land. The lake acts as a heat source for the lower atmosphere, so it helps keep the climate moderate. This makes it possible for cities near the lake to enjoy bonus fog in the winter. A fog layer forms over the lake in the late fall or early spring and remains in place as a low cloud deck. The cloudy layer of the lake is a mixture of low stratus clouds and fog.
Another factor is the amount of cloud cover at Lake Michigan Beach. On January 6, there is a 65% chance of overcast skies. On February 28, the chance is only 39%. During the winter, January and February are the cloudiest months for the area. The most sunny days are June 21 and August 28. If you visit in the middle of the year, the skies are usually clear, but it can still be cloudy in the winter.
Lake Michigan’s influence on weather
If you’re familiar with the weather in New England or the Northeast, you’ve probably wondered about Lake Michigan’s influence on Michigan weather. While this lake does influence Michigan weather in various ways, it’s not directly related to it. The state has two lake-effect snowbelts – one located along the south shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, and one on the east shore of Lake Michigan in the Lower Peninsula. These zones experience winter snowfall that is two to three times heavier than other parts of the state. Although these areas typically get more than their fair share of snowfall, these regions are often sheltered from these storms by the lake’s influence, and these effects only occur during the winter months.
Another influence of the lake on West Michigan weather is cloud cover. Cloud cover can vary up to 20 miles inland along the western shore of the lake, and the clouds have a cooling effect on the region. Cloud cover in winter can also affect temperature forecasts, as winter has more clouds than summer. Generally, cloudy days mean warmer nighttime temperatures and cooler daytime temperatures. When combined with the varying temperature conditions of Lake Michigan, it’s no surprise that the area’s weather is influenced by Lake Michigan.
One of the most notable examples of the lake’s influence on weather in Michigan is a tornado that swept through Hudsonville in January of 2009. While storms that track over the lake do not originate in the waters, they can strengthen and prolong a storm. It’s impossible to pinpoint exactly how the lake affects Michigan weather because the storms are largely determined by upper-air circulation. Regardless of the causes of storms, however, it is no surprise that Lake Michigan plays an important role in Michigan’s weather.
Lake Michigan’s influence on dew point
The climate of the Chicago region is predominantly continental with an element of the Gulf of Mexico. This air mass can cause temperatures to drop into the low 70s in the winter, but can rise to 90 or more during the summer. During summer, Lake Michigan remains cool, providing a mild, modifying effect to the summer heat. The temperature on the 13th of July, for example, reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dew point was 81.
Because of Lake Michigan’s unique geography, its climate is affected by air masses that come from other areas. Warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from the Arctic affect West Michigan during the four seasons. The resulting pressure gradient makes it unstable and conducive to convective storms. However, despite Lake Michigan’s pronounced cooling effect, the temperature at the surface of the lake remains relatively mild.
The weather in the West Michigan area is influenced by the coldness of Lake-effect snow. Cold air flows over the warm lake, absorbing the moisture in clouds. When the clouds pass over land, they become unstable and dump out the moisture as snow. By contrast, in the summer, warm wet air cools down and condenses into fog. Hence, the presence of wine vineyards in the region.
In winter, heavy snowfall is common, and often occurs near the shores of the lake. The snowfall in this region is sometimes light in the inland parts of the state, but heavy near the lakeshore. The influence of Lake Michigan on dew point is a result of the vastness of the lake. The lake’s vastness and the warming and moistening of the lake itself enhance the effect of the lake on the air mass over the state. In winter, ice-covered harbors create a great deal of friction between the air over the lake and the land.
Lake Michigan’s influence on temperature
The influence of Lake Michigan on temperature is a complex one. In the past 30 years, for example, the lake has been beginning its summer stratification earlier and lasting later into the fall. This has reduced the length of Lake Michigan’s winter, robbing the deep waters of a chance to cool off. While the changes in the thermal winter only affect a few days a year, they have a profound effect on the deep water. In fact, since 1990, the temperature of Lake Michigan has increased by about 0.11 degrees per decade. The warming has been driven largely by warmer winters.
In addition to the cooling effect, the warmer lake water may also affect Michigan weather. When temperatures are higher, the cold air masses from Canada moving over the Great Lakes will pick up more moisture and transform it into lake-effect snow. These changes in the lake’s temperature have implications for the weather of many areas of the world, and Anderson expects this data to be representative of large lakes all over the world. However, for the time being, the findings will not affect the weather in the state.
Another effect of Lake Michigan on temperature is that it has a seasonal lag in temperature. As the air around the Great Lakes warms, the water in Lake Michigan will cool more slowly than it does inland. This phenomenon is most obvious at the beach, when the water begins to warm up quickly while the sand remains cool. When fall comes, the lag will disappear and the lake will return to an even temperature.
Lake Michigan’s influence on clouds
A large body of water, like Lake Michigan, affects local weather by influencing clouds. As the cold air crosses the relatively warm water, it absorbs heat and moisture. The increased heat and moisture transfer to the surrounding cold air warms the lower layers of the atmosphere, resulting in fog. The fog forms on top of low stratus clouds and reaches as far as 20 miles inland. The fog is also a ground-based cloud, and can be confused with clouds that are not stratified, like cirrus.
Clouds originating near the lake are called lake effect clouds. They are caused by cold air moving south across the lake. This cold air then condenses the evaporating moisture. They can be a mile or more high and look like snow-covered mountains. Clouds formed over lakes can only occur when the air is colder than the lake water. During the cold season, this happens only during the winter season.
The size of a lake determines the amount of precipitation it can produce in the region. The larger the lake, the greater the influence on local weather. For instance, Lake Superior has the greatest influence on local snowfall. It influences local snowfall by 100% more than any other lake. This is mainly due to the fact that a larger lake holds warmth during the summer and maintains moisture flux to the atmosphere. It also influences the buoyancy of air.
Lake Michigan’s influence on clouds in Michigan during the winter is a balancing act. Clouds influenced by the lake can moderate the extreme cold in the lee-shore regions. The clouds are able to retain heat from the lower atmosphere, so regions 20 miles or more downwind of Lake Michigan have warmer minimum temperatures. This is a positive influence on Michigan weather, especially in the wintertime.
Michigan’s lack of a home field advantage has been a problem this year. Its economy has been affected by COVID-19, and the shortage of teachers could get worse. PFAS contamination in the water has also caused a problem. And with so many injuries on the field, the Spartans have started 32 different players so far this season. That’s a staggering number compared to last year’s team, when they started 30 players and used 14 different combinations of defense and offense.
COVID-19 has impacted Michigan’s economy
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an uneven impact on Michigan’s economy. People in low-income, minority communities and those with less education are especially at risk. Employment patterns were also affected in uneven ways. The most impacted groups were African Americans, Latinos, females, and part-time workers. The state also lost jobs among its most vulnerable residents, such as teenagers, low-income families, and workers with low levels of education.
The impact on Michigan’s economy will be felt in nearly every community and industry. In the state, layoffs have already hit industries like the restaurant and travel industry. And they’re expected to spread to other sectors of the economy, including automakers and home builders. Those without college degrees will struggle to find decent jobs elsewhere. Poverty and poor health are common. COVID-19 will only make these issues worse.
The first two years after COVID-19 hit Michigan, the unemployment rate jumped to 22.7%. But it fell to 4.9% in January, which is slightly higher than the 4% national rate. Michigan’s unemployment rate is expected to fall below 4% in the summer of 2020. Getting below 4% would indicate Michigan’s labor market has recovered. But other indicators will show if the state is headed for a full recovery.
With the government’s support, a $10 million fund to aid small businesses was established in the state. The funds will help struggling businesses get back on their feet and meet increased demand for COVID-19 response efforts. Other sources of funding included MEDC and Michigan Women Forward’s SBA microlending funds. The Consumers Energy Foundation and Comerica Bank also stepped up their support of the effort. Besides the money, these organizations are looking into other ways to support small businesses, especially those whose products are needed for emergency preparedness.
The most widespread impact of COVID-19 on Michigan’s economy has been on the service and retail industries. In total, 13 essential industries in Michigan suffered job losses from March to April of this year. These sectors employ low-wage workers, racial/ethnic minorities, women, and those with lower education levels. They are particularly vulnerable to the pandemic, as they often have low-paying jobs.
Teachers shortage could get worse
If current trends continue, the Michigan teachers shortage could get worse. Once focused on science and math, the state now faces a teacher shortage in all subjects, especially social studies. The reason is that the majority of the state’s teaching force is older than 40, and retirements may make job openings even more difficult to fill. With a shortage of teachers in all subject areas, Michigan’s education department is looking for ways to attract and retain the best educators.
A bill passed in the state legislature last week by Senators Dayna Polehanki of Livonia and Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids aims to address this issue. The bill would increase financial aid for student teachers and encourage the recruitment of new educators. The state has already seen a 25% decline in the number of newly issued teaching certificates between the 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 school years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the problem.
In Michigan, the teachers shortage could get worse unless the state takes steps to address the underlying issues. A rising number of special education teachers are being laid off in the state, and the state is considering easing restrictions for those teachers who are already working. Some districts are trying to address this shortage by allowing special education teachers to teach a wider range of students with disabilities. But the problem of the shortage isn’t limited to Michigan schools.
Although the Michigan teachers shortage has been a long time in the making, it has only become more pressing since COVID-19 has affected the state’s education system. While the COVID-19 has caused some teachers to leave the teaching profession, the problem has been around for decades. Now, the state is even sending letters to retire teachers urging them to return to the classroom. Meanwhile, schools are closing temporarily and making the transition to virtual learning.
Despite this destabilization, the shortage of qualified teachers in Michigan isn’t going away anytime soon. Despite Michigan’s reliance on a small number of teachers, the state needs a lot of them. According to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, this shortage could impact many schools across the state. However, the state lacks data on its teacher pipeline, which is a major cause of the shortage.
Lack of home field advantage has been a problem
The lack of home field advantage has plagued Michigan in recent years. The team has been off 3.4 points from expected totals in nonconference games. In addition, the crowds haven’t done much to help its cause. In fact, Michigan has been wiped out by scrimmage-like atmospheres. This isn’t as bad in conference games. Regardless of what factors contribute to Michigan’s underperformance, the team’s performance isn’t as impressive as it could be.
Last season, Michigan led the nation in average attendance. Last year, Michigan Stadium was home to 11,459 fans. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic cut short Michigan’s 45-year streak of drawing more than 100,000 fans. Last season, Michigan was 5-0 at home in Big Ten play, but hasn’t maintained that momentum in 2018.
The Wolverines don’t treat their home games any different than they do away from the Big House. In fact, only four visitors have scored three runs against Michigan, and seven haven’t even reached two. The opponents of Michigan have scored three or more runs in away games or neutral games 15 times, but only nine times against them. Obviously, this lack of home field advantage has been a problem for Michigan.
The Michigan Wolverines have a solid record at home, but the lack of home field advantage has hindered the Wolverines’ playoff hopes. They have had to travel to Columbus, Nebraska, Notre Dame, and Alabama, which were all neutral sites. Having a large home stadium is helpful in Michigan’s favor, but it can’t help that they’re not as good at home games as the rivals in other conferences.
In addition to not having home field advantage, the Wolverines haven’t played the same top-10 teams as Michigan State. In the first game between these teams, the Wolverines lost by 18 points. This was a blowout in the B1G. But with a home field advantage, Michigan is still a contender and can make the finals in the Big House.
PFAS contamination in water
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has warned residents not to bathe in foam that appears on Lake Michigan and other bodies of water. The foam contains PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These compounds are highly resistant to both water and oil and can accumulate in water. They are easily identifiable because they are bright white in color and tend to pile up like shaving cream on a beach.
To determine if Michigan’s lakes and streams are contaminated with PFAS, a study was conducted in Charlevoix and Emmet counties. Water samples were collected in both counties and analyzed by scientists at the University of Michigan Biological Station. The study was supported by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation. The researchers compiled the results of their research and made them publicly available for the public.
The results of this study indicate that PFAS contamination in Michigan’s waters is widespread. Currently, there are approximately 712 PFAS-contaminated sites in the state, with another 600 sites pending. These sites include several Department of Defense facilities and high-profile manufacturing locations. Some of the sites are the subject of big settlements, prompting more questions than answers. However, Michigan is the state where the most PFAS-contaminated sites are located.
The EPA has known about the health hazards of PFAS for decades. Despite this, the EPA has only set advisory levels for two compounds, PFOA and PFOS, which are both highly toxic. Michigan is now following these guidelines by limiting PFAS contamination to six to four parts per trillion in drinking water. The state’s new standards for both compounds are lower than EPA guidance. Approximately ninety percent of municipal water supplies had no detectable amounts of the two compounds, while only seven percent had more than 10 parts per trillion in total.
The results of the testing at the Wynn-Stelt home were shocking, with levels of PFAS compounds as high as seventy-six parts-per-trillion. The DEQ found plumes stretching across the area from the armory to the landfill. The outer limits of these contamination plumes have not yet been defined by the agency, but at the same time, more homes have received whole-house granulated activated carbon filtration systems.
