Winter in Washtenaw County is a fickle beast. One morning you’re scraping a thick, stubborn sheet of ice off your windshield in the dark, and by the next afternoon, the sun is out, and it's basically a balmy 38 degrees. If you’re looking for a 30 day weather forecast ann arbor michigan, you’ve likely realized that the "official" numbers only tell half the story.
Honestly, Ann Arbor weather is a mood.
As of January 18, 2026, we are staring down the barrel of a weak La Niña winter. For those of us living between the Big House and the Huron River, that usually means a roller coaster of temperature swings rather than one long, frozen hibernation. While the typical averages for late January and February hover around highs of 31°F and lows of 17°F, the next few weeks are looking a bit more dramatic.
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The 30-Day Outlook: What’s Actually Coming
We just survived a messy mid-January snow dump—the Jan 14-15 storm that dropped 3 to 6 inches across the metro area and sent flight schedules at DTW into a tailspin. Now, the atmosphere is shifting.
The forecast for the remainder of January and the start of February suggests we’re in for a "classic" Michigan mix. Expect a stretch of persistent cloud cover—historically, January in Ann Arbor is overcast about 64% of the time—punctuated by a few "Arctic fronts" that will remind you why you spent the extra money on that heavy-duty parka.
The Breakdown (Sorta)
- Late January (20th–31st): We’re looking at a snowy, cold finish to the month. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center is leaning toward below-normal temperatures for the Midwest during this stretch. Expect highs struggling to break 25°F and plenty of those dry, powdery flurries that make the Diag look like a postcard but turn the State Street intersection into a slushy nightmare.
- Early February (1st–10th): A slight shift occurs here. We might see a "warm" spike—and by warm, I mean mid-30s—which usually brings the dreaded "wintry mix." This is when the freezing rain likes to hide under a dusting of snow.
- Mid-February (11th–20th): Historical data and current modeling suggest a move toward more "ENSO-neutral" conditions. This often translates to "Average." Expect highs in the low 30s. It’s gray. It’s damp. It’s peak Michigan February.
Why "Average" is a Lie in Ann Arbor
If you look at the climate averages for the 30 day weather forecast ann arbor michigan, you’ll see numbers like 32°F for a high. But when was the last time it was actually 32 degrees for a week straight?
Never.
Local experts, including the team at the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, often point out that La Niña years are characterized by "high sub-seasonal variability." Basically, the jet stream is jumping around like a caffeinated squirrel. You’ll get three days of "polar vortex" air followed by a day where the snow melts and reveals the brown, dead grass we all try to ignore until April.
The "Black Ice" Factor
Since we’re expecting a wetter-than-normal season (thanks, La Niña), the real danger isn’t the snow totals. It’s the cycle. We get a little rain or melting during the day, the temperature drops to 15°F at 9:00 PM, and suddenly every sidewalk on North Campus is a skating rink.
If you're walking near the Michigan Union or driving down Washtenaw Avenue, "black ice" is a legitimate concern through mid-February. The University of Michigan International Center even warns students to leave for class early because "average" transit times just don't exist when the salt trucks are still catching up.
Survival Kit for the Next 30 Days
Don't just look at the thermometer; look at the wind chill. A 25-degree day with a 15 mph wind off Lake Huron feels like single digits.
- Waterproof everything: February in Ann Arbor is notorious for slush. If your boots aren't waterproof, you're going to have a bad time.
- Vitamin D: Seriously. With the "cloudiest month" title firmly held by January and February, the lack of sun is a real thing here.
- The "Half-Tank" Rule: Don't let your gas tank get below half. If you get stuck in a "lake-effect" squall on M-14, you’ll want that heater running.
While we aren't seeing signs of a record-breaking blizzard in the immediate 30-day window, the "active jet stream" means small, quick-hitting storms (2-4 inches) are much more likely than one giant 15-inch event. It’s a game of endurance, not a sprint.
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Keep an eye on the daily updates, especially as we approach the transition into February. The "mild east, heavy snow west" pattern often sets up right over Washtenaw County, meaning a 10-mile difference in your commute could be the difference between a dry road and a ditch.
Prepare for a cold, gray, and occasionally snowy month ahead. Check your tire pressure—the cold will drop it—and make sure your windshield wiper fluid is the -30°F variety. You're going to need it.