Imagine that it is winter and that you live in Chicago, just serveral blocks from Lake Michigan?

Question

and its 40 degrees there where you are. You call a friend who lives in the suburbs and your friend tells you its 30 degrees there. Why is there such a difference in temp between the two areas? Does the presence of the lake affect temp?

Answer 1

omg yes it does! i love very close to lake michigan, and my freinds live even closer. they say its cooler by them. the winds affect the temp by the lake because they blow differently, thats why it is colder by the lake and warmer inland.

Answer 2

Yes the lake has a big part in temp difference.  In the summer it can be cooler near the lake then the suburbs because the lake is cooler then the air temp.  In the winter it will be warmer in the city then in the suburbs because the lake is warmer then the air temp.  This is how lake effect snow happens when the cold air hits the warm lake.

Answer 3

Any large water body moderates temperatures.