With the first snowfall already behind us, we are already fully into the winter season and preparing for the upcoming holidays. Forecasters indicate that Michigan has a good chance of an active winter this season, particularly due to the influence of a La Niña climate pattern.
A La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. This cooling is caused by stronger-than-normal trade winds, which push warm surface water west and allow cold, nutrient-rich water to rise to the surface in the east. These cooler temperatures have a ripple effect, causing significant changes in global weather patterns, such as altered atmospheric pressure and jet streams.
For us it means that overall, snowfall is likely to be near or above the seasonal average (around 42-45 inches for the region) and the combination of cold air and warm lake temperatures creates an ideal environment for increased lake-effect snow.
Temperatures are generally expected to be near normal when averaged for the entire season, but with significant swings including “multiple blasts of frigid air”.
While the season may have a milder start, forecasters suggest a significantly colder and snowier second half, with the snowiest periods expected in December, and late January through early February.
Bryce Buchanan thinks snow is controversial: On the one hand he said, “I love snow because it makes the world shiny,” but on the other hand he said,”I don’t like snow because it is too cold.”
Buchanan was really happy to hear that we will have a lot of snow this winter, and he is looking forward to “pulling sleds behind the truck.”
Ryder Siefka also loves snow because it is so soft and he is looking forward to the winter season because of the snowfall. “It will be an awesome year for skiing,” he added.
Bentley Inbody said that because of how much snow we get, “I can go snowboarding at any time.” Inbody also said, “Snow reminds me of Christmas and holidays,” and he is looking forward to the soft snow.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), emphasizes that preparing homes, vehicles, and families now is crucial for navigating potential hazards like extreme cold, ice, and heavy snow, so everyone can enjoy the winter season.
