Question

Why does weather get moderate in cold countries when the freezing of lakes and other bodies start?

Answer 1

When water starts freezing in lakes, every kilogram of water at 0°C releases 336000 J kg⁻¹ of heat energy as it changes into ice at 0°C. This heat is called latent heat of fusion. This large amount of heat is given out to the surrounding atmosphere, so the air does not cool down too fast. Hence, freezing of lakes and other water bodies slows down further cooling and makes the weather moderate.