Honestly, if you looked out your window yesterday and saw nothing but dry pavement, you aren't alone. Most of the country is in this weird, purgatory-like "snow drought" that’s driving skiers and winter lovers absolutely crazy. But for a few specific spots, winter actually showed up.
If you’re asking where did it snow yesterday in the united states, the answer depends on whether you're talking about a light dusting or actual, shovels-required accumulation.
Yesterday, January 13, 2026, was a day of massive contrast. While the Mid-Atlantic was basking in "fool's spring" temperatures in the 50s, a sneaky bit of energy was churning through the Upper Midwest and the high peaks of the Rockies. We’re basically in the calm before an arctic storm, but the flakes didn't wait for the official front to arrive in a few select zip codes.
The Winners of the "Yesterday Snow" Lottery
While most of the Lower 48 was dry, the Upper Midwest actually saw some action. We’re talking about a low-pressure system that dragged a mix of rain and snow across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and into the Michigan peninsula.
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It wasn't a blizzard by any stretch. It was more of that annoying, wet slush that makes driving a pain but doesn't look pretty on a postcard. In upstate New York, specific spots like West Carthage and Copenhagen picked up around 3 inches. That’s enough to cover the grass, but it’s a far cry from the lake-effect monsters we usually see this time of year.
Out West, the story was—as always—all about the elevation.
- Wyoming: Don Day, a well-known meteorologist in the region, noted some light accumulation in the high country. Places like Laramie and Medicine Bow saw flurries, though most of it was "trace" amounts that blew away before it could be measured.
- The Sierra Nevada & Rockies: If you were at 9,000 feet, you probably saw white. If you were in the valleys, you probably just saw clouds.
- The Northeast: A tiny sliver of Maryland, specifically up near Frostburg and the Pennsylvania line, saw about an inch. It’s a humble start for a region that has been starving for a real winter.
Where Did It Snow Yesterday in the United States? Breaking Down the Data
It’s easy to say "the North," but the National Weather Service (NWS) data shows it was much more localized than that. Yesterday’s snowfall was patchy. You could be in one town in Michigan getting dusted, and twenty miles away, the roads were bone dry.
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According to the 24-hour analysis ending early Tuesday, the highest totals weren't even in the mountains; they were clustered around the Eastern Great Lakes.
| Region | Notable Cities/Spots | Estimated Totals |
|---|---|---|
| Upstate New York | Watertown, Saranac Lake | 1.8" to 3.4" |
| Upper Michigan | Munising Area | 2" - 3" |
| Western Maryland | Frostburg | ~1.0" |
| Wyoming High Country | Near Pinedale/Jackson | Trace to 1" |
Most people get this wrong: they think if it’s January and it’s cold, it must be snowing everywhere. Nope. We are currently dealing with a stagnant ridge of high pressure in the Southwest that is acting like a giant "No Snow" shield. That’s why Denver and Salt Lake City have been looking more like October than mid-winter lately.
Why the "Snow Drought" is the Real Story
It's kinda wild to think about, but a huge portion of the U.S. is currently in a deficit. If you were looking for snow in the usual spots—think the Cascades or the Wasatch Range—yesterday was a bit of a letdown.
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Experts like those at the Climate Prediction Center have been tracking this "anomalous troughing" that keeps the moisture bottled up. Basically, the moisture is there, and the cold is there, but they aren't meeting up for a date. They're like two people at the same party who keep missing each other in different rooms.
What’s Coming Next? (It’s Not Just Flurries)
If you’re disappointed by yesterday’s meager totals, hang on. The "mild" weather that dominated the East yesterday is about to get punched in the face by an arctic front.
We’re looking at a massive transition where rain turns to snow across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast over the next 24 to 48 hours. By the time we look back at tomorrow’s data, the list of places that saw snow is going to be a lot longer. We’re talking about a surge of air straight from Canada that’s going to drop temperatures by 20 degrees in a matter of hours.
If you’re in a place like Baltimore or Philly, you’ve probably seen the "Faith in the Flakes" stickers on cars. That faith is about to be tested. The forecast shows a brief but intense burst of snow that could drop a coating to an inch before the sun even comes up on Thursday.
Actionable Steps for the Next 24 Hours:
- Check your tires now. If you're in the path of the incoming arctic front, that "brief period of snow" is going to flash-freeze on the roads.
- Download the NWS "Winter Center" tracker. Don't rely on generic weather apps that use broad algorithms. Look at the HRES (High-Resolution Ensemble) models for your specific zip code.
- Drip your pipes. This isn't just about snow; the cold behind this system is legit. We’re seeing projected lows in the teens for areas that haven't hit freezing in weeks.
- Watch the Great Lakes. Lake-effect snow warnings are likely to pop up as that cold air hits the relatively "warm" lake water. That's where the real "feet, not inches" totals will happen.
Winter isn't missing; it was just late to the party. Yesterday was the warning shot. Today is the preparation window. Tomorrow is when the shovels actually come out.