Honestly, walking outside right now feels like stepping into a half-finished watercolor painting. Depending on where you're standing, you’re either staring at a slushy mess or a legitimate winter wonderland. If you’re in the Northeast or parts of the Midwest today, January 17, 2026, the answer to "how much snow is outside" is changing by the hour.
Snow is weird.
One town gets buried; the next town over just gets a cold drizzle. Right now, we are seeing a massive split across the country. According to the latest data from the National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), about 20% of the U.S. is currently under a white blanket. That’s actually a bit lower than usual for mid-January, but don’t tell that to someone in Michigan or Massachusetts right now. They’re busy digging out.
The current snow depth across the country
If you look at the maps, the "deep" stuff is exactly where you’d expect—the mountains. Jackson Hole is sitting on over 200 inches. Alta, Utah is past the 140-inch mark. But for those of us living in actual cities and not on a ski slope, the numbers are a lot more "human-sized."
In Connecticut and Massachusetts, we’re currently seeing a "coating to 2 inches" in the southern areas, but the Berkshires are getting hit harder. Forecasters like Dan Amarante have been tracking a band that’s dumping 2 to 6 inches across Litchfield County and Northern Worcester. It’s that heavy, wet stuff that makes your back hurt just looking at a shovel.
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- Midwest Totals: Some spots in Michigan, like Eastpointe, reported a staggering 40 inches in a 24-hour burst earlier this week.
- The Plains: Parts of North Dakota are holding onto a steady 2 to 5 inches of base, though the 70 mph winds are making it impossible to measure accurately.
- The South: It’s mostly just "vibes" and rain, though Raleigh might see a trace on the grass by tomorrow.
Why the "official" number usually feels like a lie
You’ve probably noticed this. The news says there are four inches of snow outside, but your driveway has a foot-deep drift and your backyard is basically bare grass.
Official measurements are taken in "protected" areas to avoid drifting. But life isn't a protected area. Wind is the great liar of winter weather. In the Great Plains today, high wind warnings are active with gusts hitting hurricane force. When you have 2 inches of snow and 60 mph winds, you don't have "2 inches of snow" anymore. You have zero inches in one spot and a three-foot wall in front of your garage.
What’s coming next? (The late-January expansion)
If you’re looking out the window and seeing nothing but brown grass, just wait. The Climate Impact Company and NOAA are both pointing toward a significant shift. We’re in a weak La Niña pattern, which basically means the North gets the hits and the South stays dry.
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However, the Arctic Oscillation is turning negative.
That’s a fancy way of saying the "polar vortex" is getting wobbly. In about two weeks—specifically around January 26—we are expecting a massive southward expansion of snow cover. We’re talking about Dallas hitting 31°F and Chicago potentially dropping to zero. If you don't have snow outside right now, you likely will by the end of the month.
How to actually measure it yourself
Don't just stick a ruler in a drift. That's amateur hour.
If you want to know exactly how much fell, find a flat surface away from the house (the house creates wind eddies). A "snow board"—basically a piece of plywood painted white—is the pro move. Clear it off after every measurement. If you’re just using your lawn, average out three different spots.
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What to do with this information
- Check your tires now: If you're in the path of the Sunday night system in the Northeast, "all-season" tires are often "no-season" tires. Make sure you have at least 4/32" of tread.
- Clear the exhaust: If you're in one of the 40-inch zones in Michigan, check your furnace and dryer vents. Snow blockage causes carbon monoxide buildup. It’s a real risk people forget.
- Charge the banks: With the high wind events hitting the Plains and Northeast, power flickers are a guarantee.
- Watch the "Freeze-Thaw": In CT and RI, the snow is turning to slush today, but it’s going to crater to 20°F tonight. That’s a recipe for black ice.
The reality of how much snow is outside right now is that it’s a moving target. We’re in a "nickel-and-dime" winter—lots of small events that add up rather than one giant "Snowpocalypse." Keep your shovel by the door; you’re going to need it before February hits.