It has been brutally cold across New York State over the last several days, and temperatures don\u2019t appear to be climbing above 20 degrees anytime soon. But don\u2019t let that stop you from enjoying everything winter has to offer. Our winters may be long, but there are plenty of ways to have fun outdoors if you are properly dressed and ready to embrace the cold.<\/p>\n
As January ends and February begins, portions of the state are seeing single-digit temperatures. Many longtime residents are saying they can\u2019t remember a stretch of cold like this lasting so long. One noticeable change: Lake Erie has finally iced over. That\u2019s welcome news for people who are tired of the relentless lake-effect snow east of the lake.<\/p>\n
Lake Ontario, however, is a different story. Because of its depth, it rarely freezes over. That open water continues to fuel heavy lake-effect snow bands east of the lake throughout the winter.<\/p>\n
Snowmobile Conditions on Tug Hill Are Outstanding<\/p>\n
For snowmobilers<\/a>, this pattern has been ideal. Tug Hill has been receiving feet of snow with nearly every forecast system. I was just there a few days ago enjoying the freshly groomed trails, and firsthand I can tell you there will be plenty of snow on those trails for quite some time this season.<\/p>\n Related: Gas Snowblower Ban Looms For New York State<\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth remembering that lake-effect snow in Western New York doesn\u2019t always come directly from Lake Erie or Lake Ontario. Some of the snow you may see over the next few days can actually originate from moisture pulled off other Great Lakes, including Lake Huron.<\/p>\n How Much Ice Is Safe to Walk or Fish On?<\/p>\n With lakes and ponds freezing over, many people start asking the same important question: How thick does ice need to be to safely walk, fish, or even drive on it?<\/p>\n