Midland is definitely feeling that January bite right now. If you've lived in Mid-Michigan for any length of time, you know the drill. One minute you're seeing a hint of sun, and the next, a "clipper" system is dumping a fresh layer of lake-effect dust over your driveway. Honestly, it’s just part of the local charm.
Currently, things are sitting at a crisp 25°F, but with that southwest wind kicking at 13 mph, it actually feels more like 14°F. You’re definitely going to want the heavy parka if you're headed out to Dow Gardens or just grabbing coffee downtown.
The clouds aren't going anywhere today, and while we've got a small 10% chance of some light snow right now, the real "fun" starts later tonight.
Breaking Down the Midland MI Weather 10 Day Forecast
Basically, we’re looking at a classic Michigan winter stretch. We have a string of days where the mercury is struggling to climb, and snow is a recurring character in the script.
Saturday, January 17, is staying cloudy with a high of 29°F. Once the sun sets—not that we can see it behind these clouds—expect snow showers to move in with a low of 22°F.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is looking like more of the same. Highs around 26°F and lows hitting 18°F. Snow showers are likely throughout the day and night, so if you’ve got travel plans on M-20 or US-10, just take it slow. The southwest wind will be sticking around at about 11 mph, keepin' things brisk.
The Big Chill Incoming
Early next week is when the real cold starts to settle in. Monday and Tuesday (January 19 and 20) are going to be particularly "invigorating," to put it politely.
Monday’s high is only hitting 20°F, and by Tuesday, we’re looking at a daytime peak of 18°F. The nights are the real kicker, though, with lows dropping all the way down to 6°F. When it gets that cold, the snow turns into that dry, powdery stuff that's a total pain to shovel because it just blows right back onto the sidewalk.
Wednesday, January 21, offers a tiny bit of "warmth" with a high of 28°F, but it comes with a 35% chance of snow showers. That’s actually the highest chance of precipitation we see in this 10-day window.
Late Week Outlook
By Thursday, January 22, we’re back down to 18°F for a high and 12°F at night. The snow showers aren't quitting, though they might be lighter than the start of the week.
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Friday through Sunday (January 23-25) stays pretty consistent. Highs will hover between 12°F and 21°F, and those overnight lows are staying in the single digits—anywhere from 3°F to 6°F.
Saturday and Sunday look mostly cloudy, which is a bit of a break from the constant snow showers, but don't expect a tan. The wind will shift to the north/northeast by next weekend, though it'll be a bit calmer, around 5-6 mph.
The forecast wraps up on Monday, January 26, with a high of 17°F, a low of 8°F, and—you guessed it—more snow showers.
Surviving the Mid-Michigan Winter
Look, we're in the heart of the "Grey Months." The UV index is basically non-existent, sitting at 0 or 1 for the entire forecast period. Humidity is staying high, mostly in the 65% to 75% range, which makes that cold air feel even "sharper" on your skin.
A lot of people think the 10-day forecast is gospel, but in Midland, the weather can be kinda unpredictable because of how the air moves across the Great Lakes. A slight shift in wind direction can mean the difference between a dusting and three inches of lake-effect snow.
What you actually need to do:
- Layer up: Your base layer is your best friend when it's 6 degrees out.
- Check your tires: Those Monday and Tuesday morning commutes are going to be slick.
- Salt early: With temperatures dropping into the single digits, standard rock salt loses its effectiveness. You might want to look for calcium chloride or magnesium chloride blends if you want your ice to actually melt.
- Watch the pets: At 3°F, paws get cold fast. Keep those walks short.
Stay warm out there, Midland. It’s definitely "soup and a movie" kind of weather for the foreseeable future.