Rare Thundersnow and freezing temperatures grip Michigan
Winter’s Early Arrival
Michigan, a northern state known for its severe winters, experienced an early onset of cold weather marked by rare thundersnow and record-breaking low temperatures in the first week of December. The unusually chilly conditions, more fitting of mid-January, engulfed most of the state, causing traffic disturbances and disrupting the usual lifestyle of residents.
Thundersnow on the Horizon
Thundersnow, a rare meteorological phenomenon combining thunder, lightning and snowfall, was reported in the region of Thumb. The spectacle occurred for a few hours, beginning around midnight on Tuesday. This weather oddity was accompanied by 1-2 inches of additional snowfall, adding to the challenges posed by the cold snap.
Below Normal Temperatures
Southeast Michigan saw temperatures plunge significantly below the usual for the time of year. Daytime highs in the 20s and 30s were replaced by lows reaching the upper teens. The severe cold was described as “a cold one” by meteorologists who foresaw a gradual rise in temperatures into the 40s in the following week. Nevertheless, midweek saw a steep downward shift as 30-40 mph winds increased the wind chill factor.
Winter Comes Early
Though, according to the astronomical calendar, winter begins after the winter solstice on December 21, meteorologists recognize December 1 as the start of the new winter season. This year, winter arrived early, with a record snowfall in Michigan and across other Midwest and Northeast states, due to a weekend snowstorm.
Lake-Effect Snow
The significantly high amount of snowfall was caused by lake-effect snow, a phenomenon that occurs when cold air crosses over the warm waters of the Great Lakes, creating dense snow bands. These bands deposit substantial amounts of snow in narrow, localized areas. While Michigan was busy grappling with the snow, neighboring states, Pennsylvania and New York also faced severe winter conditions.
The heavy snowfall had varying effects across the state. Particularly, travel was heavily impacted with road and train disruptions. For example, the Chicago-Detroit Amtrak train faced major setbacks over the weekend due to mechanical problems caused by the severe weather.
Impact on Daily Life
Many regions of Northern Michigan are no strangers to heavy snow. The area witnessed record-breaking snowfall totals during the long weekend, as reported by locals. The city of Gaylord received over 3 ½ feet of snow on Friday alone, far exceeding its usual November average of 1 ½ feet of snow.
The snowfall also had an impact on sports events throughout the state. The football game against Rutgers at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing had a considerably reduced audience due to the precipitation during the match.
Michigan, along with the Midwest and Northeast, is slowly digging out from under the snow as it grapples with the early winter. While the snow can create beautiful winter scenes and opportunities for winter sports, it presents a host of challenges for day-to-day operations.
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
