Michigan May Finally Get a Break From Weeks-Long Deep Freeze

Don't look now, but a reprieve from the weeks-long deep freeze might be around the corner for Michigan.

Current Freeze Impact Across Michigan

The last time it was above freezing in Lansing was January 17, when the high reached 34 degrees. Since then, it's been frigid all across the Mitten State. Ponds and brooks are frozen over, and roads and sidewalks remain slippery in some places.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service think we may soon see a brief respite from the sub-freezing temperatures.

What Forecasts Predict for Mid-February

For the first week of February, the normal high temperature for the Lansing area is 31 degrees. So it's not unusual for daytime highs to be below freezing this time of year. However, by the middle of next week, long-range forecasts from the NWS include Michigan among the states where experts are leaning toward predicting above-normal temps — at least for a few days.

READ MORE: The Michigan Snow-Shoveling Habit That Makes No Sense

The forecasting service AccuWeather tends to agree with the National Weather Service's assessment. They're predicting highs above freezing (mind you, still in the 30s) for about a week and a half starting February 10. That should be enough to support a little bit of snow and ice melt, although refreezing will occur as nightly lows dip back below freezing.

Don't put away your sweaters just yet, though.

Temporary Melt, Then More Cold

While the middle of February might feature a few warmer-than-usual days, forecasters don't expect the trend to last.

By the last week of the month, long-range forecasts show Michigan trending colder again. AccuWeather currently projects another 2-to-3 week period of subfreezing weather statewide beginning February 20.

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Don't be surprised to see a raindrop or two before February ends. Forecasters still say most of the precipitation Michigan gets between now and mid-March will be snow.