What’s The Coldest Wind Chill on Record in Michigan?

Following the snowfall this weekend Michigan is bracing for an Arctic blast this week which will not only give us frigid air temperatures, but wind chills will be in the negative double digits. As most area roads have been cleared there is still the possibility of school and business closures due to the wind chills Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. So how cold will it be compared to some state records?

READ MORE: School & Business Closings

Coldest Wind Chill at Ironwood, Michigan

While wind chills in Michigan are already below zero today, that number plunges tonight and tomorrow to as low as minus 20 in some areas. But not as blustery as it was in Ironwood, Michigan on January 22, 2025 as the record-low wind chill of -50 was recorded.

Record Low Temperature at Vanderbilt, Michigan

That's almost as the coldest low temperature on record which was on February 9, 1934 when Vanderbilt, Michigan fell to 51 below zero. This was due to cold Artic air that pushed into the state.

Cold Weather Preparedness

With the combination of freezing temperatures and wind chill factors, the National Weather Service warns that if you're going to be out in the elements you need to bundle up to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can occur within 30 minutes causing damage to exposed skin, but can happen in under 10 minutes in colder locations such as the Upper Peninsula.

Pets and Cold Weather

Cold weather affects different dogs in different ways. Larger dogs with thicker, double-layered coats have a higher tolerance for cold weather, while smaller dogs and dogs with thinner coats may not be as tolerant. Winds can also penetrate your puppy's coat so be sure to limit their time outdoors when temperatures are this cold.