MICHIGAN, USA — West Michigan is running a bit behind schedule when it comes to snowfall, but it’s bound to make an appearance sooner rather than later. Although we haven’t seen snow yet this season, expectations point to more snow this winter compared to last year as a weak La Niña develops.
This is the time of year when snow can fall at any moment across West Michigan. All it takes is the right combination of cold air and sufficient moisture, especially when factoring in the processes of lake effect.
When do we typically get our first snow?
The first snow of the season has fallen as early as October, while some years it has taken as long as early December. Typically, West Michigan gets its first 1” or greater snowfall during the third week of November.
Averages of approximately when cities typically have their first snow:
(Note: cities listed alphabetically)
- Battle Creek: November 15
- Big Rapids: November 19
- Grand Rapids: November 20
- Greenville: November 19
- Hastings: November 14
- Holland: November 20
- Kalamazoo: November 20
- Muskegon: November 21
These cities do not all have the same historical period of record. However, these averages come from what is available. They track well across the region when you consider average snowiness and temperatures.
The climate sites with the most complete data are Grand Rapids and Muskegon. On average, both cities see their first measurable snowfall (0.1” or more) during the first half of November. It typically takes until early December for the first 3” or greater snowfall of the season.
How much snow do we typically get?
Due to the nature of lake effect snow, West Michigan experiences a wide range of snowfall in a given winter. For the sake of consistency with weather data, only Grand Rapids and Muskegon have season snowfall averages:
- Grand Rapids – 77.6”
- Muskegon – 87.2”
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How much snow will we see this winter?
We’ll have to wait and see! In a weak La Niña pattern (which is the expectation this winter), West Michigan typically experiences above-average precipitation, however, that doesn’t always mean above-average snowfall (precipitation includes rain, snow, and/or ice).
