Chief Meteorologist Michael Stevens reviews January’s climate in Northern Michigan, highlighting temperature trends, precipitation, and snowfall. The month featured a warm, wet first half followed by a brutally cold second half with significant snow accumulation, consistent with the winter outlook.
Temperature
January averaged 2.4 to 3.4 degrees below normal across key locations (Alpena 17.1°F, Sault Ste. Marie 12.8°F, Traverse City 19.7°F).
The first half was 2-4 degrees above average, melting snowpack; the second half saw Arctic air bring temperatures well below freezing.
Precipitation
Precipitation was near or above average, with Sault Ste. Marie receiving 4 inches (1.86 inches above average), the fourth highest on record.
Other areas like Houghton Lake and Traverse City also saw above-average precipitation.
Snowfall
Snowfall was well above average, with Traverse City recording 53 inches (4th snowiest January on record), Sault Ste. Marie 52.4 inches (5th snowiest), and Gaylord 41.1 inches.
The cold second half prevented snowmelt, leaving significant snowpack.
Outlook
February is expected to remain cold with below-average temperatures.
Increasing Great Lakes ice may reduce lake-effect snow, potentially lowering snowfall totals.
Winter conditions will persist, with possible warming after mid-February.