Lake-effect Snow and Whiteout Conditions in the Great Lakes Region; Below-average Temperatures in the East

Heavy lake-effect and lake-enhanced snow will persist downwind of the Great Lakes and produce some whiteout conditions that could cause difficult travel conditions. A coastal low will produce moderate to heavy snow over parts of southern and eastern New England into the afternoon. Below average temperatures are expected across the eastern U.S., particularly with chilly morning temperatures. Read More >

Map of estimated Water Temperatures
List of Water Temperature observations (at bottom of page/list)

Latest Marine Discussion:

.MARINE... SCA conditions return this afternoon and night under southerly channeling. Gusts of 20 to 25 kts are expected at this time. Highest gusts look to be over the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay/lower tidal Potomac River. Winds will fall back below SCA levels for most of the waters Thursday into Thursday night under westerly flow. This will continue Thursday night into Friday. Additional SCAs will likely be needed Friday night, and near gale-force can't be ruled out in strong northerly channeling. With Arctic high pressure pushing from the Midwest toward New England on Saturday, northerly winds will remain elevated across the waters. Channeling effects look to continue which may require Small Craft Advisories, especially across the wider waters on Saturday morning. After a brief lull as winds shift to northeasterly, gradients increase again on Saturday evening/night yielding additional 20 to 25 knot gust potential. These blustery winds continue into Sunday as winds turn northerly. Widespread snow impacts the waters Saturday evening through most of Sunday, an icy mix possible Sunday afternoon and night. There could even be freezing spray given the frigid nature of the air mass and elevated wind fields. Update as of: 203 AM EST Wed Jan 21 2026

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[LWX marine zones]

NEW FORECAST TOOL: Experimental NWS Marine Forecast Portal

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Please provide feedback to cody.ledbetter@noaa.gov

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Marine Forecasts for the Lower Chesapeake Bay and Eastern VA Rivers

(These forecasts are provided by the Weather Forecast Office in Wakefield, VA)

Lower Chesapeake Bay

Smith Point to Windmill Point

Windmill Point to New Point Comfort

New Point Comfort to Little Creek

Little Creek to Cape Henry Incl. CBBT

Eastern VA Rivers

Rappahannock River (Urbanna-Windmill Pt)

York River

James River (Jamestown-James River Bridge)

James River (James River Bridge-HRBT)

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