Michigan's climate is heavily influenced by the Great Lakes, leading to lake-effect snow in winter.

Michigan experiences lake-effect snow, a weather phenomenon caused by the Great Lakes, particularly during the winter. As cold air moves over the warmer waters of the lakes, it picks up moisture, which then falls as snow when it reaches the colder land on the downwind side. This effect is especially strong in Michigan due to its proximity to the lakes, with areas like the western and northern parts of the state receiving significant snowfall. The lake-effect snow can lead to heavy, localized snowfalls, creating winter weather challenges for Michigan residents. This is unique to regions near large bodies of freshwater.