It was solid ice when I first
went out to assess the bays at 10:30 AM, by 5 PM the bays looked as though it was open water. There were
ice structures sticking up through the water. They weren't floating. So, it was
surface melting.
The snow flurries lasted all day in diminishing amounts across that time period. The surface water didn't have waves. The only movement of water were the wind ripples. So, the bays were still frozen and the outlets into the lake were still closed. The temperature dropped progressively through the day.
When I got to the southern tip of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay there were straight line winds. No wind gusts. Consistent winds without change.
The weather equipment in Traverse City was recording 21 mph winds, however, at that particular place, the southern tip of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay, the wind was higher. It was difficult walking against the wind. The official temperature was 27 F. But, at that place the wind chill was severe. I could not stand in the wind without covering my face. Skin would not have held up well in a short period of time.
So, what was going on?
Those winds were warm, however, as it raced across the ice it melted it releasing the cold within the ice. So, as the surface ice was melting the air temperatures fell. That is the only thing that explains that level of cold in a local area.
It is called global warming. Ice gives up it's cold temperatures as it melts otherwise it wouldn't melt.
The snow flurries lasted all day in diminishing amounts across that time period. The surface water didn't have waves. The only movement of water were the wind ripples. So, the bays were still frozen and the outlets into the lake were still closed. The temperature dropped progressively through the day.
When I got to the southern tip of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay there were straight line winds. No wind gusts. Consistent winds without change.
The weather equipment in Traverse City was recording 21 mph winds, however, at that particular place, the southern tip of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay, the wind was higher. It was difficult walking against the wind. The official temperature was 27 F. But, at that place the wind chill was severe. I could not stand in the wind without covering my face. Skin would not have held up well in a short period of time.
So, what was going on?
Those winds were warm, however, as it raced across the ice it melted it releasing the cold within the ice. So, as the surface ice was melting the air temperatures fell. That is the only thing that explains that level of cold in a local area.
It is called global warming. Ice gives up it's cold temperatures as it melts otherwise it wouldn't melt.
