Will we finally see some real Michigan winter weather in January 2024?
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center released its monthly weather outlook for January 2024 last week, showing the probability of colder or warmer temps and precipitation vs. normal seasonal averages across the country. El Nino is having an impact, as forecasted, creating milder winter conditions. (The December 2023 outlook was pretty spot on.)
January temperature outlook for Michigan
- The NOAA outlook predicts higher chances for above normal temperatures in January for most of the Great Lakes region, and for all of Michigan. Most of Lower Michigan has a 33-40% chance of seeing above average temperatures, while the Upper Peninsula has a stronger chance of seeing above average temps. The predictions are based on probability vs. normal averages.
- The average high temp in Detroit in January is around 32 degrees, with a low around 19 degrees.
January precipitation expectations for Michigan
We have barely seen any snow in December in Michigan, which will likely end as one of the least snowy Decembers on record for the Detroit area.
- The NOAA outlook predicts much of the same, with below normal precipitation chances throughout Michigan. Most of the U.S. is expected to see about average precipitation, but Michigan stands out as one of the only states with higher probability to see lower precipitation. With milder temps and less precipitation, a big snow storm would be less likely. The predictions are based on probability vs. normal averages.
- The Detroit area typically sees about 14 inches of snow in January over the last 30 years.
---> How El Niño could impact Michigan snow, cold this winter