
Why Lakes Look Like They’re on Fire During Frigid Illinois and Wisconsin Winters
Have you ever woken up near a lake in the dead of winter and panicked because it looks like the lake is on fire? Don't worry, it's just sea smoke.
Weird Winter Phenomena
I hope I'm not about to jinx things here, but so far winter 2024/2025 hasn't been too bad to those of us living in Northern Illinois. We've experienced only a few days of frigid temperatures and barely any snow, but every long-term Illinoisan or Midwesterner knows that can change at any minute...so we have to prepare ourselves.
I have lived in Northern Illinois for over 40 years, so it feels like I have seen and experienced everything winter has to offer. Then I saw this picture and knew I had more to learn...
WOW! Have you ever seen a winter phenomenon like that? It's beautiful and terrifying all at the same time.
What Is Sea Smoke?
Now that we know frigid temps can cause illusions of fire on water, I need to know how this happens, so I went on a search for the answer. Here's what I found...
The American Meteorological Society defines sea smoke/steam fog as;
Fog formed when water vapor is added to air that is much colder than the vapor's source; most commonly, when very cold air drifts across relatively warm water.
Does that sound a little confusing to you too?
Basically, water holds onto heat better than air, so when extremely cold air hits a warmer lake surface it causes water vapor to cool quickly turning into a steam-like fog. When this happens during a sunrise, BOOM, you've got "fire" on the lake.
Pretty cool, right?
Here's another fascinating thing I learned...
When artic air hits warmer lake surfaces it can also create a "steam devil" or "steamnado" that looks like this...
I'm pretty sure I would freak out if I saw a steamnado on a lake near me, but these mini tornados or waterspout aren't generally dangerous. They are just whirling columns of air and water mist from the sea smoke.
Do you feel slightly more educated now? I sure do, and I will also be on the look out for sea smoke the next time temperatures drop below zero, (which they will probably do again very soon.)
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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF
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