Honestly, if you’re looking at the harrison mi weather forecast right now, you’re probably seeing a lot of gray. That’s just January in Mid-Michigan. People call Harrison the "Twenty Lakes in Twenty Minutes" town, but in the dead of winter, those lakes are basically giant ice cubes.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, it is 23°F outside. But don't let that number fool you. With a southwest wind kicking at 14 mph, it actually feels like 10°F. It’s that biting cold that sneaks into your sleeves if you haven't cinched your coat tight. There's a light snow falling, and the humidity is sitting high at 88%, making the air feel heavy and damp.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow and More Snow
If you’re planning on driving down Old 27 or heading toward Budd Lake today, keep the brush handy. We’re looking at a high of 24°F and a low of 19°F. It’s not a blizzard, but there’s a 20% chance of snow during the day, jumping up to 35% tonight. It’s that constant, annoying flurry that keeps the roads just greasy enough to be a pain.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, stays pretty much in the same lane. High of 22°F, low of 11°F. Expect more snow showers. It's the kind of weather where you just want to stay inside at the Budd Lake Bar and grab something warm.
Things Get Serious Next Week
Monday is when the "Arctic revenge" really starts to show its teeth. We’re talking about a high of only 16°F and a low that plummets to 2°F. When the sun goes down in Clare County during a cold snap like this, the temperature drops like a stone.
Tuesday, January 20, is looking even more brutal:
- High: 12°F
- Low: 1°F
- Wind: 15 mph from the west
With that wind, the wind chill is going to be well below zero. If you have outdoor pets or livestock, this is the window where you really need to double-check their bedding and water heaters.
Surviving the Mid-Michigan Winter Grind
Living here means knowing that "mostly cloudy" is basically the default setting. In fact, Harrison stays overcast about 69% of the time in January. You won't see much of the sun until maybe the very end of the month.
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But it’s not all misery. This is peak season for the Snow Snake Ski & Golf hill. While the golfers are long gone, the snow tubing and downhill skiing are usually in full swing when we get these consistent cold temps. The snow builds a solid base, and since the harrison mi weather forecast is calling for snow showers almost every single day this week, the conditions should stay pretty fresh.
What to Pack or Wear
If you’re just visiting, don't try to be a hero with a light jacket. You need layers.
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking stuff because even at 10 degrees, you'll sweat if you're shoveling or hiking Wilson State Park.
- The "Big Coat": Something windproof. That 14-16 mph wind coming off the open areas is what really gets you.
- Footwear: Waterproof boots are non-negotiable. The snow in Harrison can get slushy near the roads but stays deep in the woods.
The Long-Term Trend
Statistically, January is the windiest and coldest month for us. We usually see about 16.2 inches of snow over the course of the month. We’re right on track for that. By Wednesday, January 21, we might see a slight "warm-up" back to 23°F, but another cold front drops us back to 14°F by Thursday.
Basically, if you’re looking for a break in the clouds, you’re going to be waiting a while. The best thing to do is lean into it. Check the ice thickness if you’re heading out to fish (carefully!), keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent line freeze, and maybe keep an extra blanket in the trunk.
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Stay warm out there. The local roads are likely to stay slick with these constant 20-30% chances of snow showers, so give yourself an extra ten minutes to get anywhere.
Next Steps for Staying Safe:
- Check your tire pressure: Cold snaps like the one coming Monday will cause your "low air" light to pop on.
- Monitor local lake reports: If you're planning on hitting the Frostbite Winter Festival activities, ensure you're following the latest ice safety updates from Clare County officials.
- Stock up on salt: With temperatures hovering near the freezing mark today before plummeting, any melted snow will turn into a sheet of ice by Monday morning.