The January thaw in Michigan
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EmailThe January thaw usually occurs each year for five days around Jan. 25. Take a closer look at why this winter anomaly takes place.
The recent warm weather has made it feel more like March than January. Overcast, rainy days with temperatures in the 40s does not typically match a winter January day in Michigan. This is an opportune time to discuss with youth about seasons, weather and climate. Additionally, it is a good time to converse how this winter event affects the land, waters and life here in Michigan.
The January thaw is not anything new. Each winter, there is a period with temperatures above freezing that produces a temporary thaw. Aldo Leopold wrote about the January thaw over 70 years ago in his famous book “A Sand County Almanac.” He eloquently wrote, “Each year, after the midwinter blizzards, there comes a night of thaw when the tinkle of dripping water is heard in the land. It brings strange stirrings, not only to creatures abed for the night, but to some who have been asleep for the winter.”
The thaw normally lasts one week, sometimes shorter or longer. Occasionally, the January thaw will not occur until sometime in early February. The thaw historically occurs for five days around Jan. 25 when the temperature rises 10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Snow diminishes, rivers swell, lake ice becomes slush and the landscape may turn brown. This year’s thaw seems to be lasting longer than usual.
Why does this thaw occur? What causes this peculiar winter anomaly? First, look at climate and weather. Climate is defined as the prevailing weather conditions in an area over a long period of time. Michigan climate in January is characterized by cold temperatures and snow. Weather is defined as the conditions of the atmosphere at a given location in regards to temperature, dryness, sunshine, wind, precipitation, etc. Weather is a daily or very short-term condition. A thaw in January is considered a singularity, which is a weather condition that tends to occur near a specific date more frequently than chance would indicate.
This thaw is a time of reprieve for many animals. Deer, small mammals and birds all feel the effects of this change in the weather. Less snow means easier travel and more exposed food. Warmer temperatures relate to less energy expired to keep warm. Predators benefit by having more prey species moving about and exposed by the lack of snow cover. Even those that hibernate may awake for a short time to explore the outside world before returning for their winter nap. This is a good time for adults and youth to take a hike outdoors to investigate some animal stirrings.
Michigan State University Extension encourages participation in new experiences that are safe and expose youth to science involvement with 4-H Science: Asking Questions and Discovering Answers. Please contact me at baumga75@anr.msu.edu for ideas on spending time outdoors with youth.
Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program help to create a community excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). 4-H STEM programming seeks to increase science literacy, introducing youth to the experiential learning process that helps them to build problem-solving, critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Youth who participate in 4-H STEM are better equipped with critical life skills necessary for future success. To learn more about the positive impact of Michigan 4-H youth in STEM literacy programs, read our 2015 Impact Report: “Building Science Literacy and Future STEM Professionals.”
