“Gales of November” is a term commonly used to refer to the severe storms and high winds that occur in the Great Lakes region during the month of November. These gales are particularly notable due to their intensity and the potential dangers they pose to maritime activities.
The term gained prominence following the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975, during a powerful storm on Lake Superior. The sinking of this large ore carrier with the loss of all 29 crew members became a tragic event that captured public attention and was immortalized in Gordon Lightfoot’s famous song, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
November gales in the Great Lakes are often the result of the clash between cold Arctic air moving southward and warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico moving northward, creating a sharp contrast in temperature and pressure. These atmospheric conditions can generate strong winds, high waves, and treacherous conditions on the lakes.
The gales of November pose significant risks to shipping and boating activities. The combination of powerful winds, high waves, and sudden weather changes can make navigation challenging and increase the likelihood of accidents and shipwrecks. As a result, mariners, particularly those operating in the Great Lakes region, need to exercise caution and be prepared for the potential hazards associated with these November gales.
