What's the Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in Michigan?

Sure, Michigan has been plunged into the deep freeze with temps in the single digits during the day and below zero at night. But is this the coldest weather we've ever seen in Michigan? Not even close.

Cold, Arctic Air Grips Michigan

All of Southeast Michigan is under a cold weather advisory until Wednesday (1/22) at Noon Eastern. But this cold weather comes as no surprise, as this arctic blast has been on our radar for at least a week. Michigan is currently experiencing the coldest air we've seen in six years, as a cold blast originating from Siberia keeps Michigan in its grips until the middle of the week.

According to the National Weather Service, it can take less than 30 minutes to cause frostbite damage to exposed skin. If you're in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, frostbite can take 10 minutes or less.

What is the Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in Michigan?

In order to talk about the coldest temps ever recorded in our state, we have to go back almost 91 years.

Cold air from the Arctic plunged south into Michigan on February 9, 1934, resulting in the coldest temperature ever recorded in Michigan.

That record was set in Vanderbilt, Michigan when the temperature plunged to 51 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit). By the way, that's not a 'Feels Like' temperature - Minus 51 is the actual air temperature recorded on that very cold day in February 1934.

No, Vanderbilt is not in the Upper Peninsula. Vanderbilt is a small town of 526 people in Otsego County, about eight miles north of Gaylord.

Why Does Vanderbilt Hold the Record for the Coldest Weather in Michigan?

While Vanderbilt is not the highest point in Michigan, its elevation is 1,096 feet. Areas with higher elevations tend to get colder because cold air rises.

While the official record belongs to Vanderbilt (and let's hope we don't break it anytime soon), an unverified and unofficial report claims the temp reached 55 degrees below zero in Fort Brady near Sault Ste. Marie on February 13 and 14, 1975.

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