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Here comes the cold! Lake effect mix brings ice pellets, graupel and snow

The cold air that is blowing over Lake Erie means a lake effect mix.

By: Trent Magill

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and last updated

CLEVELAND — It will definitely feel like November today with the coldest air the region has seen in months. The cold air means many weather “firsts” on Tuesday and the rest of this week — including snow.

We're a couple of weeks behind the average firsts of the cold season. Only a couple of days behind last year's, though.

Areas inland, off of the lake and away from the cities, have already seen frost.

Those spots could see their first hard freeze this week. That means the growing season's days are numbered.

The cities and areas along the lake may get in on their first frost this week.

Snow has arrived

Graupel and trace amounts of snow showed up Tuesday afternoon in Lake County.

First flakes of the season! Ice pellets, graupel and snow: Lake County, OH @WEWS @NWSCLE #ohwx pic.twitter.com/qh9bP5ifuG
— The REAL Mark Johnson (@MarkJWeather) November 2, 2021

Power of 5 Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson documented snow in Lake County.

Welcome to November! Snow starting to accumulate a bit on elevated surfaces. @NWSCLE @WEWS #ohwx pic.twitter.com/TIkeZKKEXg
— The REAL Mark Johnson (@MarkJWeather) November 2, 2021

There was enough snow to make the season's first snowball.

First snowball of the season! @WEWS @NWSCLE #ohwx pic.twitter.com/V4Dj3qKj2B
— The REAL Mark Johnson (@MarkJWeather) November 2, 2021

Freeze and Frost

Contrary to popular belief, we don't have to have a freeze for frost. Our air temp can stay a couple of degrees above 32 degrees while the surface drops to 32 degrees and frost forms. That will likely happen tonight for most spots.

For areas that drop into the 20s, that means temps will be below 32 degrees for at least four hours. That is the criteria for a hard freeze and also marks the end of the growing season.

The leaves are all about to fall.

If it doesn't happen tonight, there's a better shot Wednesday night followed by an even better shot Thursday night.