When December Feels Like January: The Surprise Chill of This Winter

Every year, I brace myself for January.

That’s the month we expect to suffer.

That’s the month when the cold doesn’t just touch your skin—it smacks you in the face the moment you step out of your car downtown, especially during the Auto Show. Anyone from Michigan knows that walk from the parking garage to the entrance is a battle between you and the wind. You’re bundled up like you’re trekking the Arctic, praying your ears don’t freeze off before you reach the doors.

But this year?

December showed up early with that January energy.

The cold rolled in like it had something to prove. Instead of easing us into winter with a few light flurries and some chilly evenings, December flipped the script and hit us with temperatures that feel more like mid-January punishment. And the crazy part is—we weren’t ready. Coats still in the closet. Gloves nowhere to be found. Car heaters acting like they needed a warm-up lap before giving us real heat.

There’s something funny (and slightly terrifying) about stepping outside in DECEMBER and thinking,

“If it’s this cold now… what’s January going to look like?”

Because if January decides to outdo December this year?

We’re in trouble, lol.

Still, there’s something uniquely Michigan about this surprise cold snap. We talk about it. We laugh about it. We warn each other like we’re preparing for an expedition.

And honestly, it keeps life interesting.

Winter has a personality here—sometimes rude, sometimes dramatic, always unpredictable. December reminded us not to get too comfortable. Winter is at the wheel now.

Here’s hoping January takes it easy on us for once… but if not, at least we’ll have stories to tell while we thaw out.