National Weather ServiceMichiganLake Effect Snow WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Lake Effect Snow Watches in Michigan
The National Weather Service issued 0 lake effect snow watches for Michigan in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 2 for those months in 2008-2025. Alger was covered most often (21 times since 2008).
How many lake effect snow watches does Michigan get?
Every lake effect snow watch that covered part of Michigan. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2011 | 14 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2008 | 16 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Michigan get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Michigan?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alger | 21 | 0 | January 16, 2016 |
| Berrien | 17 | 0 | January 21, 2014 |
| Luce | 16 | 0 | January 25, 2014 |
| Keweenaw | 15 | 0 | December 18, 2015 |
| Ontonagon | 14 | 0 | December 8, 2016 |
| Marquette | 11 | 0 | December 8, 2016 |
| Northern Schoolcraft | 11 | 0 | January 6, 2015 |
| Chippewa | 10 | 0 | November 20, 2014 |
| Gogebic | 9 | 0 | December 8, 2016 |
| Antrim | 7 | 0 | November 20, 2014 |
| Houghton | 7 | 0 | December 18, 2015 |
| Northern Houghton | 7 | 0 | January 7, 2011 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a lake effect snow watch?
A lake effect snow watch meant heavy lake effect snow was possible. Since October 2017 the NWS covers it with the winter storm watch. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Michigan.