Chicago and the Gulf of Mexico off Texas are experiencing a rare meteorological event known as 'steam devils,' where the extreme cold weather causes vapor to rise from the warmer waters of Lake Michigan and the Gulf. This phenomenon, also referred to as sea smoke or 'steam-nado,' occurs when cold air moves over warmer water, creating a fog that resembles steam. The current -30 wind chill in Chicago has been conducive to the formation of these steam devils, which have been captured in stunning footage showing vapor swirling above the water. The temperature difference and energy release can cause air to swirl, creating the steam-devils or 'steam-nadoes' on the lake surface.
Incredible footage shows 'SEA SMOKE' whipped up over Lake Michigan as freezing temperatures grip the US and lake effect snow threatens to bury Midwest towns https://t.co/Lf33l94CNR https://t.co/ojXTuhzD9U
Unreal footage from Chicago. Vapour swirling above the water created a natural phenomenon known as a “steam devil." https://t.co/5tAn7vPKQR
WATCH: Incredible video shows cold arctic air and high winds whipping-up sea smoke on lake in Chicago https://t.co/gULSKDIWGg
A "steam-nado"? Yup, its a thing. When temperatures are brutally cold (like they have been lately) steam rises from warmer lake waters. The temperature and energy release causes air to swirl and can create steam-devils/nadoes on the lake surface! https://t.co/u2bKPTyTqv
Lake Michigan looks steamy this week as the freezing air temperatures hit the relatively warmer water! ♨️ https://t.co/AReV3QJ6lo
Amazing scene from Chicago 🥶 Chicago's -30 wind chill has produced sea smoke, a fog formed when cold air moves over warmer water, resembling steam. https://t.co/Di5oWdXjmL
Unique phenomenon called "steam devils" spotted over Lake Michigan and Gulf of Mexico https://t.co/2q1teh9pYt
Chicago's Lake Michigan and Gulf of Mexico off Texas experience rare phenomenon known as 'steam devils' that see freezing weather cause vapor to rise from the water https://t.co/3wOrDFHNdf https://t.co/PKRq6966OQ
This is a pretty cool effect on the water. Chicago is cold right now 🥶 https://t.co/N2fA389XfC