The New Year’s Day 2022 snowfall was the first widespread snowfall event for the area this winter season. Snow totals topped out at just over 6 inches in some areas. But snow in January is nothing new to the area. What is interesting about this event, and others over the years is that the snow left on the ground is visible from space!

The GOES-East satellite was able to pick up the large swath of snow on the ground across Northern Illinois and the surrounding areas. Because of the snow on the ground, you are able to see features such as rivers and valleys. With snow being highly reflective in daylight and clear skies over the area, it is easily seen from space.

GOES-East satellite image of the southern Lake Michigan area. Credit: NEXLAB – College of DuPage

Note in the bottom right of the image that most of Indiana is not covered in snow as none fell there. Another feature visible are clouds, a few of which can be seen over the eastern shores of Lake Michigan and over Indiana. These same images are the same ones used by meteorologists on your local TV stations.