AAA Issues Michigan Statewide Arctic Air Advisory: What to Know
Metro Detroit has been seeing lows of 10 degrees, with wind chills below zero. Hundreds of schools were closed on Tuesday due to the cold. And now, AAA has issued a statewide Artic Air Advisory.
Temperatures are expected to be in the teens and single digits for the next few days, with wind chills dipping into the negatives. Extremely cold temperatures can “wreak havoc on vehicle functionality,” said AAA.
Artic Air Advisory Tips
To help motorists keep their vehicles road-ready, AAA compiled a list of tips. Regarding batteries, they say to have a charging system tested to ensure it’s fully charged and in good condition. They suggest keeping your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up. With windshield washer fluid and engine coolant, they suggest using one with winter solvent that won’t freeze and a coolant that provides anti-freeze protection down to the lowest temperatures you are likely to encounter. A good guideline is -30 degrees.
Parking is just as important when it comes to your vehicle. Parking in a garage is recommended. If you don’t have access to a garage, then put a tarp over the hood or park in a wind-protected area. To prevent freezing, they said to place a plastic trash bag between the door or the window glass and the frame.
AAA offered additional reminders during the cold weather as calls for dead batteries and other service-related needs across Michigan are expected to jump. In case of emergencies, they suggest traveling with a cell phone and a car charger. AAA recommends that if motorists become stranded, it is best to stay with the vehicle. If the engine can be started, run it only long enough to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free.
Additional winter weather driving tips are available in AAA’s How to Go on Ice and Snow booklet, which can be found here.
Enjoy Michigan's Winter Wonderland With These Unique Activities
Frozen Waterfalls
Michigan’s winter takes waterfalls to a whole new level. They turn into these giant icy art installations that look like something straight out of a fairy tale. In the wintertime, the waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula freeze into giant icicles. At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you can turn this frozen wonderland into an ice-climbing adventure. Every February, it’s the place to be for the Michigan Ice Fest, according to the National Park Service. In Munising, the Ice Fest has climbing fun for both the experts and the newbies.
ImagesbyK/ Getty Images
Sledding/ Tobogganing
Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, sledding in Michigan is an absolute blast. Grab your trusty sled, find a good hill, and prepare for some speedy, downhill fun. Michigan offers a variety of sledding and tobogganing spots to choose from. You can have a blast at Kensington Metropark in Milford, take on Toboggan Hill in Lapeer, experience the thrills at Echo Valley in Kalamazoo, or slide down the slopes at Midland City Forest in Midland.
omgimages/ Getty Images
Igloo Dining
Cozy bubbles of joy, great food, and a unique winter vibe. It’s like dining in a personal snow globe, perfect for a special date night or a fun hangout with friends. Igloo dining is available all over Michigan, and each spot offers its unique experience. Several places, including Bobcat Bonnie’s (multiple locations), Blake’s Farm in Armada and Almont, Lumen Detroit, and more, may require reservations and charge per-person fees when booking. It’s a good idea to give a call to these establishments offering igloo dining in advance to get information on their specific policies.
Cindy Ord / Staff/ Getty Images
Ice Skating
Time to channel your inner figure skater or hockey pro. Glide and twirl on frozen ponds and rinks, surrounded by the crisp winter air. Lace up and show off your moves, or just enjoy the occasional wobbles. You can find ice skating spots all over the state, whether you prefer to skate indoors or out. But if you’re looking for a unique Detroit experience, head on over to The Rink at Campus Martius Park. They kick off the skating season with the Christmas tree lighting in November and keep the ice open for fun until mid-March.
zsv3207/ Getty Images
Mushing
Hop on a sled and let some lively doggos take you on a thrilling ride through the snow-covered woods. It’s like being in your very own adventure movie. If you don’t have a pack of pups for some mushing fun, no worries. There are companies out in the state that can make your dog mushing dreams come true. Head up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for an epic winter adventure alongside champion mushers. Check out Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Adventures where you have a bunch of options, from 10-mile and 20-mile day trips to overnight journeys. You can also learn how to handle your own dog team and cozy up in a cabin or yurt. And if you’re in Gaylord, Treetops Resort has you covered. They’ll give you a ride, whether you’re flying solo or have the family. There are loads of other spots waiting for you to explore.
8213erika/ Getty Images
Skiing/ Snowboarding
Michigan’s slopes are your playground, and the powdery white snow is your canvas. Grab your snowboard or skis, hit the hills, and enjoy the rush as you carve your way through the snow. Of course, with some hot cocoa breaks in between. Michigan has over 40 ski areas, with locations in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, according to Michigan.org. Whether you’re an avid skier or snowboarder in search of excitement or a family of four seeking a relaxing resort weekend getaway, each region in Michigan has something unique to offer.
molchanovdmitry/ Getty Images
Ice Golfing
Who says golf is just a summer sport? In Michigan, you can play golf on frozen lakes. In fact, the 10th Annual Ice Golf Cup Challenge is scheduled for February in Lake Orion, organized by the Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary. If you prefer, you can also assemble a group of friends and arrange your own game.
Nadzeya Haroshka/ Getty Images
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing, also known as snow fishing, is like fishing, but on a frozen lake. You drill a hole in the ice, drop your line, and hope for a bite. It’s a chilly yet exciting way to enjoy the great outdoors and maybe catch dinner. According to Michigan.org, ice fishing is accessible on over 11,000 inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams in Michigan. It’s important to note that there’s no consistent “inch-thickness” standard to gauge ice safety. You can check the thickness and quality of the ice with tools like a spud, needle bar, or auger.
mariannehoy/ Getty Images
Snowmobiling
Michigan’s snowmobile trails are like highways for thrill-seekers. Zip through the snow-covered landscapes and explore the winter wonderland in style. Michigan has over 200,000 registered snowmobiles in the state, according to data from the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. Coupled with some of the nation’s most highly rated trails.
IgorTsarev/ Getty Images
Fat Tire Biking
Pedal through the snowy scenes of Michigan on fat tire bikes. These rugged wheels will help you conquer the winter terrain while you enjoy the great outdoors. Fat-tire bikes are permitted on all bike-friendly trails, including those designated for mountain bikes. Many volunteer organizations take care to groom trails exclusively for winter fat-tire biking. You’ll find numerous parks across the state with dedicated trails for fat-tire biking during the winter season.
GROGL/ Getty Images
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is like taking a walk in a real-life snow globe. Strap on those snowshoes and venture into the snowy wilderness at your own pace. Snowshoes make it easier and quicker to move around snowy terrain. You can start snowshoeing in any area with at least six inches of snow. Michigan’s winter season provides plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing, and some state parks offer groomed snowshoe trails, which are suitable for beginners and children.
Debbie Galbraith/ Getty Images
Curling
Channel your inner Olympian and give curling a whirl. Sliding stones on the ice and shouting strategy with your teammates is the perfect blend of skill and camaraderie on a chilly winter day in Michigan. In Michigan, there are curling clubs that provide introductory lessons for newcomers. Some of these clubs include Stormcloud Brewing Company in Frankfort, Traverse City Curling Club, Kalamazoo Curling Club, Detroit Curling Club, and more.
robertprzybysz/ Getty Images
