Michigan Weather Radar

Michigan climate

Michigan's climate is heavily shaped by the Great Lakes, which surround the state on three sides and create pronounced lake-effect weather patterns. The Lower Peninsula has a humid continental climate, while the Upper Peninsula experiences subarctic conditions during winter. The moderating influence of the lakes delays seasonal transitions, keeping springs cooler and autumns warmer near the shorelines.

Lake-effect snow is Michigan's signature weather phenomenon, occurring when cold Arctic air passes over the relatively warm Great Lakes and picks up moisture. Areas downwind of the lakes, such as the western shore of the Lower Peninsula and much of the Upper Peninsula, can receive extraordinary snowfall totals. The Keweenaw Peninsula averages over 200 inches of snow per season, among the highest in the eastern United States.

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes affect Michigan primarily from May through August, with the Lower Peninsula being more vulnerable. The Great Lakes can also generate powerful storms with high waves and dangerous currents along the beaches. Summers are pleasant with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and the state's many lakes and forests provide natural cooling that draws residents and tourists alike to the outdoors.