thunderstroms

[sp123]

you mention in your journal that the thunderstorms always die out when they cross lake superior is this because of the cold water temps if so what happens when the lake superior warms up july and august becuase i know surface temps can get to 70 and above. also seems like the moisture from the lake would only add to the thunderstorms and finally so the keweenaw has a better chance of big storms if they come straight south or southeast i know that is rare though.

[Administrator]

First a clarification, they do not ALWAYS die off when they cross Lake Superior, there are actually instances when the cold, big lake can enhance thunderstorms.

With that said, the cold waters do tend to stabilize the atmosphere and thus weaken thunderstorms in most cases. The moisture from the lake is no a factor in helping to support them, mostly because the water is so cold. Even in July and August when the lake gets "warmer", it is still too cold. Typical mid lake temps are only in the 50's in July and August, with the 70's you speak of confined mainly to shoreline areas.

-John