National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

National Weather Service Winter Presentations

The winter weather presentation that was scheduled at the Ottawa National Forest Visitor's Center in Watersmeet for Wednesday, December 9th has been postponed until Monday, December 14th. 

With one of the most weather active seasons soon upon us, residents of Upper Michigan have to be prepared for changeable and severe winter weather conditions.  Average yearly snowfall ranges from around 60 inches to over 200 inches in some of the lake effect snow belt regions.  Snowfall can occur in as many as eight of the twelve months during the year.  The significant snowfall combined with bouts of dangerously cold air and windy conditions result in Upper Michigan Winters being very harsh compared to other parts of the country.  Thus, Upper Michigan is a unique and challenging location for winter weather, for both residents and weather forecasters.       

If you are interested in learning more about winter weather and snow spotter reporting, you are encouraged to attend an upcoming winter presentation by the National Weather Service.  The presentations are FREE and open to the public.   The presentations will last about 90 minutes. These presentations are also a wonderful learning opportunity for anyone who may be interested in weather. 

Topics on the agenda include:

Ø  The science of snowstorms and lake effect snow

Ø  Proper snow measurement and how to report to the National Weather Service

Ø  The changing U.P. climate

Ø  The upcoming winter outlook

Presentation dates and times:

• December 14th - 100 PM CST: Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center (Watersmeet, MI)