The Great Lakes Region is situated in a long, low-lying corridor which experiences warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold dry air from the Arctic.

The mid-latitudinal location of the Great Lakes and resulting variations in solar energy ensures that the entire basin experiences four distinct seasons annually.

Earth's angle of inclination and the curvature of the Earth at this location sets up a steep temperature gradient that encourages wind and weather to intensify and track over the region.

Once weather systems move into the area, the massive lakes influence weather and climate by moderating temperatures and supplying moisture to passing weather systems.

spring

summer

autumn

winter