What is the Coldest Day on Record in Michigan?

This week, Michigan residents are experiencing extremely bitter cold temperatures. it's so cold that it's painful to step outside.

While we are enduring cold temperatures this week, it doesn't come close to Michigan's coldest day on record.

See Also: How Cold is Too Cold for Kids to Go to School in Michigan?

When Was the Coldest Day on Record in Michigan?

The coldest day on record in Michigan took place 90 years ago. The temperature throughout the state was so cold that it's almost hard to even imagine today.

It was February 9, 1934, when Michigan experienced its all-time coldest temperature of -51°F in Vanderbilt. The official reading was recorded 11 miles northeast of town. We're not talking wind chill factor here; it was literally -51°F.

According to MLive, Only 11 states have experienced a colder temperature than that including Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, Minnesota, Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Oregon, and New York.

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There is also an unofficial and unverified report that claims -55 degrees was reported at Fort Brady near Sault Ste. Marie on February 13 and 14, 1875.

Where is Vanderbilt, Michigan?

Vanderbilt is located about 10 miles north of Gaylord, the heart of Michigan's snow belt.

When Was Michigan's Hottest Summer and How Hot Did It Get?

Strangely, the hottest temperature ever recorded in Michigan occurred two years later. It was 1936 in Mio, Michigan when the temperatures reached 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Mio is roughly only 40 miles from Vanderbilt.

Thankfully, we won't be breaking any freezing temps in Michigan this week.