Gaylord, MI – January 2026 delivered a true winter punch across northern Michigan, bringing widespread cold and heavy snow that pushed several cities into the record books.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, both Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie logged one of their top five snowiest Januarys on record. After a mild start, the month turned sharply colder, fueling steady lake-effect snow through late January.
Sault Ste. Marie saw 52 inches of snow, its 4th snowiest January, while Traverse City measured 36.1 inches, marking its 6th snowiest. Gaylord recorded 49.5 inches, well above normal. Temperatures also stayed well below average—by 3°F to 4°F—in most reporting stations, including Alpena, Houghton Lake, and Pellston.
The coldest readings came late in the month, with lows plunging to –13°F in Gaylord and –18°F in Alpena. Despite brief warm-ups early on, January 2026 cemented itself as one of the most wintry in recent memory for northern Michigan.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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