If you’ve lived in Oakland County long enough, you know the drill. You check the weather for Clawson Michigan in the morning, see a clear sky, and by lunch, you’re scraping a surprise layer of ice off your windshield at the Leon & Lulu parking lot. It’s basically a local rite of passage.
Honestly, Clawson weather is a bit of a rebel. While Detroit gets the headlines, our little "Little City with a Big Heart" often catches micro-climates that feel distinct from the rest of the metro area.
Right now, as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, we are smack in the middle of a heavy snow storm. It’s messy. The temperature is hovering around 30°F, but with that sharp north wind at 12 mph, the wind chill is biting at 21°F. If you’re heading out to 14 Mile, give yourself an extra ten minutes. The roads are getting slick fast.
The Reality of January in Clawson
People talk about Michigan winters like they’re one long, gray blur. That's not exactly true. In Clawson, January is mathematically our coldest month. We usually see average highs of 34°F and lows that dip down to 22°F, though today is proving to be a bit more dramatic with a projected low of 14°F tonight.
What most people get wrong is the "lake effect" myth. While we aren't on the lakefront, the moisture from Lake St. Clair and even Lake Huron can converge right over the 48017 zip code. This leads to those sudden "snow bursts" that leave three inches on your driveway while Royal Oak stays dry.
Why the Wind Chill Matters Here
In a town as walkable as Clawson, the wind chill is the real enemy. We’re currently looking at:
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- Humidity: 77%, which makes the cold feel "wet" and bone-deep.
- UV Index: 0. (Forget about Vitamin D today).
- Visibility: Dropping as the heavy snow continues through the afternoon.
If you’re walking the dog near City Park, remember that a wind chill of -20°F can cause frostbite in 30 minutes. We aren't there yet, but with the "Arctic revenge" forecast predicted by meteorologists at FOX Weather for the tail end of this month, those bitter temps are coming.
Breaking Down the 10-Day Forecast
Looking ahead, tomorrow (Thursday, January 15) offers a brief breather. It’ll be mostly sunny but significantly colder. We’re looking at a high of only 21°F.
Friday brings more snow showers. It's a persistent pattern this year. By Monday, January 19, things get truly frigid with a low of 6°F. This isn't just "jacket weather"; this is "check on your elderly neighbors and keep the faucets dripping" weather.
- Wednesday (Today): Heavy snow, high of 39°F (dropping fast), low of 14°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny but cold, high of 21°F.
- Friday: Snow showers return, high of 33°F.
- The Weekend: Persistent snow showers with highs in the mid-20s.
According to data from the MERRA-2 project (NASA’s climate modeling), Clawson typically sees about 17.3 inches of snow in January. We are well on our way to hitting that mark this week alone.
Seasonal Surprises and Local Lore
Summer in Clawson is a different beast entirely. July is our hottest month, where it's not uncommon to hit 84°F with 90% humidity. It’s the kind of heat that makes the Fourth of July parade feel like an endurance test.
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But even then, the weather for Clawson Michigan stays unpredictable. May is actually our wettest month, averaging over 3 inches of rain. This is when the local gardens really pop, but it's also when we see the most basement flooding concerns in the older bungalows.
Common Misconceptions
- "It always snows more in the UP." Well, yeah, usually. But the "Clipper systems" moving through the Great Lakes right now can drop massive amounts of powder on Oakland County in a matter of hours.
- "The wind isn't that bad inland." Tell that to anyone standing on the corner of Main and 14 Mile during a January gale. January is officially our windiest month, averaging 17 mph.
Staying Prepared in the 48017
If you're new to the area or just trying to survive this week's storm, there are a few practical things to keep in mind. Black ice is a genuine hazard on the side streets near Schalm Elementary. Since our city is compact, the snowplows are usually pretty quick, but the freeze-thaw cycle creates treacherous patches.
Always keep a "winter kit" in your car. This isn't just being paranoid; it's being a Michigander. A small shovel, a bag of sand (or non-clumping kitty litter), and an extra pair of gloves can save your afternoon if you slide into a drift.
Survival Steps for the Next 48 Hours
Check your tire pressure. Cold air makes the pressure drop, and you don't want a "low tire" light flashing while you're navigating a whiteout.
Salt your walkways now. With the temperature dropping from 39°F today down to 14°F tonight, any slush on your porch is going to turn into a skating rink by 9:00 PM.
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Limit outdoor exposure for pets. If it's too cold for you to stand outside without a coat, it's too cold for them, regardless of their fur.
Monitor the local "WinterCast" alerts. We are currently under a winter weather advisory, and these can escalate to "Winter Storm Warnings" if the wind picks up more than expected.
Clear the snow away from your home's foundation and any exhaust vents. This prevents carbon monoxide buildup and keeps the melting slush from seeping into your basement when the next "thaw" happens.
Stay warm, stay off the roads if you can, and keep an eye on those dropping temperatures.