Record-Breaking Temps, Then a Double Rainbow in Flint… in January?

It’s been a strange winter so far here in Michigan. We’ve seen snow storms, ice storms and even thunderstorms along with huge temperature swings. In fact, this morning the temps in Mid-Michigan were close to 60 breaking records in many spots. Flint and Saginaw both had previous record highs of 54 on January 9. But today we already broke both of those records at 58 and 56 respectively according to ABC12.

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When I was on my break today, I was stunned to see a double rainbow over the Flint area. I never expected to see a rainbow in the middle of winter in Michigan. Clearly they do happen, but how often?

Why Winter Rainbows Are So Uncommon in Michigan

Winter rainbows are uncommon here, mostly because winter doesn’t cooperate very well. Cold air holds less moisture, which means fewer rain showers, and snowstorms usually come with thick clouds that block the sun. Without sunlight and liquid droplets working together, rainbows just don’t get many chances to form.

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But when they do, winter actually has one quiet advantage. The sun sits much lower in the sky all day long, even around midday. That low angle is exactly what rainbows need, which is why today's rainbow was visible for so ling. So when a brief rain shower slips in ahead of a cold front, or drizzle hangs in the air before temperatures tumble, the sky can surprise you.

What Are Snowbows? Why Are They Rarer Than Rainbows?

Snowbows take that rarity even further. They’re formed by the same idea as a rainbow, but snowflakes aren’t very good at reflecting light. They’re cloudy, clumpy, and constantly changing shape as they fall. Every once in a while, during a fast-moving snow shower or a rain-to-snow transition, conditions line up just right and a faint, almost magical bow appears according to TheWeather.com.

That’s what makes moments like this so memorable. Winter rainbows and snowbows don’t last long. There’s no warning and no guarantee you’ll ever see another one. You just happen to look up at the right moment.

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In a Michigan winter that can feel long and gray, those brief flashes of color feel like a gift. A reminder that even in the coldest, most unpredictable season, the sky still knows how to surprise us.