If you live in the D, you know the drill. You go to sleep looking at grass and wake up wondering where you parked your car. Snowfall totals for Detroit MI are basically a local obsession, and honestly, the numbers usually tell a much wilder story than the five-day forecast suggests.
We’ve had winters where the shovel didn't leave the garage, and others—like the 2013-2014 nightmare—where Detroit hit a record-shattering 94.9 inches. That year was a complete outlier, breaking the old 1880 record and leaving everyone from Romulus to Grosse Pointe wondering if the snow would ever actually melt. It’s that unpredictability that defines our winters.
The Reality of Snowfall Totals for Detroit MI
Most people assume Detroit is a frozen tundra from November to April. Kinda true, but the data says otherwise. On average, the Detroit area (measured at KDTW) sees about 42.5 inches of snow per season. But "average" is a funny word.
Last season (2024-2025), Detroit actually ran light, finishing with just 26.5 inches. That’s more than 10 inches below normal. Compare that to the current 2025-2026 season we're in right now. As of mid-January 2026, we've already seen some significant action. Just this week, on January 14-15, a system dumped anywhere from 3.0 inches in Grosse Pointe Farms to 6.1 inches in Romulus.
The variance is huge. You’ve got the lake effect playing its part, though we usually miss the worst of it compared to the west side of the state. Still, when a clipper system rolls through or a "Panhandle Hook" pulls moisture up from the south, the totals jump fast.
Breaking Down the Record Books
When you look at the heaviest hitters in Detroit history, the dates might surprise you.
- April 6, 1886: The all-time single-day champ with 24.5 inches. Yes, in April.
- December 1-2, 1974: A massive 19.3-inch dump that paralyzed the city.
- February 1-2, 2015: The Super Bowl Storm that dropped 16.7 inches and made everyone regret having a driveway.
It’s not just about the big storms, though. It’s the streaks. In 2014, Detroit had 77 consecutive days with at least an inch of snow on the ground. That’s over two months of never seeing the pavement. Honestly, it does something to your head after a while.
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Why the Location Matters (KDTW vs. Your Backyard)
One thing that drives Detroiters crazy is when the news says we got three inches, but you’re staring at six. Official snowfall totals for Detroit MI are recorded at Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus.
The "heat island" effect in the actual city center can sometimes melt flakes before they stick, while the suburbs to the north and west—places like Novi or White Lake—often report totals 20% to 30% higher than the airport. For example, in the January 2026 storm, Novi clocked in at 6.0 inches while other parts of Wayne County were closer to 4.
What to Expect for the Rest of 2026
Right now, we are in the thick of it. Saturday, January 17, 2026, started out mostly sunny with a high of 32°F, but don't let that fool you. There is a 70% chance of snow today, with more snow showers forecasted through Wednesday, January 21.
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Temperatures are expected to plummet, with lows hitting 3°F by the end of next week. When it gets that cold, the snow is that light, powdery stuff that blows around and makes driving on I-94 a complete disaster.
Staying Ahead of the Totals
If you’re trying to keep track of the actual accumulation, don't just rely on the weather app on your phone.
- Check the National Weather Service (NWS) Detroit/Pontiac Public Information Statements. They pull data from trained spotters across all of SE Michigan.
- Follow the CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow) network for backyard-specific data.
- Keep a real snow gauge (or a ruler and a flat board) away from your house to get an accurate reading that isn't influenced by wind drifts.
The best way to handle the rest of this winter is to keep the salt bucket full and stay updated on the "Snow/Ice Headlines" that usually drop about 24 hours before the flakes start falling. Detroit's weather is a moving target, but the numbers never lie.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep your vehicle's emergency kit stocked with a collapsible shovel and extra gloves, especially with the forecasted sub-zero lows approaching this week. Monitor the NWS Detroit "Hourly Weather Forecast" for specific timing on the January 21 system to avoid peak commute times.