Grand Rapids, MI – An Arctic air mass swept through Southwest Michigan early Saturday, setting or tying several all-time low temperature records across the region, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.
Residents in Grand Rapids woke up to a frigid –19°F, tying the record set in 1948. Kalamazoo dropped to –18°F, breaking its previous record of –13°F set in 1963. Muskegon, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo all saw new records, with Muskegon hitting –7°F, two degrees colder than its 1904 mark.
According to the NWS, the widespread cold was driven by a deep Arctic air mass that settled over the Great Lakes late Friday, pushing temperatures far below seasonal averages. Battle Creek’s new record of –19°F surpassed a 1948 benchmark, while Lansing and Jackson endured near-record lows of –16°F and –18°F respectively.
Forecasters said temperatures will gradually rise early next week, but wind chills remain dangerously low this weekend. Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors and check on neighbors, pets, and the elderly as the bitter cold lingers.
“This kind of cold isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous,” NWS officials warned in Saturday’s update.
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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