[jeffk]

Originally Posted by DickR

... Here is an interesting piece on ice formation in large lakes: https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.o...g-and-lake-ice

A really good article, especially "Most of the lakes’ heat energy is lost by direct convection to colder air masses sitting over the water. A light breeze facilitates heat loss from the surface by moving the just warmed air and replacing it with more cold air. On the other hand, a strong wind mixes water layers and brings up more heat stored in the deeper water."

The article also describes many other nuances of ice formation making it clear that 32 degrees isn't a magic number for water forming ice.