Located in the heart of Michigan, Sterling Heights experiences a humid continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons.
The city’s annual weather averages reveal a broad temperature range, from a chilly 21°F in the winter to a warm 84°F in the summer.
Visitors will find the calmest weather from May to October, making it an ideal time to explore the area.
January tends to be the windiest month, with wind speeds averaging 13.2 miles per hour.
Conversely, August is the calmest month, offering a more tranquil experience.
The city receives about 2.25 inches of precipitation monthly, reflecting typical weather patterns for this region.
Sterling Heights shines brightly during the summer, providing plenty of daylight and warmth from June to August.
This period is perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the vibrant community events.
For those planning a visit or new residents, understanding the historical weather data can help make the most of what this Michigan city has to offer year-round.
Average Temperature In Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights experiences a variety of temperatures throughout the year.
The summers are warm, with July being the hottest month.
In July, the high temperature can reach the low 80s °F, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, the winters are freezing, with January being the coldest month.
In January, the low temperature can drop to around 20°F, making it essential to bundle up.
The average high in January is often just above freezing. These cold months can bring snow and icy conditions, typical of Michigan winters.
Below is a table summarizing the average high and low temperatures for each month:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32 | 20 |
| February | 35 | 22 |
| March | 45 | 30 |
| April | 58 | 40 |
| May | 70 | 50 |
| June | 79 | 60 |
| July | 84 | 65 |
| August | 82 | 63 |
| September | 75 | 56 |
| October | 62 | 45 |
| November | 48 | 35 |
| December | 35 | 25 |
These weather averages are based on data collected over several years, making them reliable for planning and preparation.
The temperatures can vary, with extremes rarely falling below 6°F or rising above 91°F. Understanding these averages is helpful for those living in or visiting Sterling Heights to know what to expect throughout the year.
Average Precipitation In Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights experiences a mix of rainy and dry days throughout the year. The city sees a significant amount of precipitation, including both rain and snowfall.
Average Rainfall In Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights receives around 34 inches of rainfall annually.
Most of this precipitation occurs during the warmer months, typically from April to September. These rainy days help cool down the otherwise warm summer temperatures.
The heaviest rains often fall in late spring and early summer.
June is often the wettest month, helping local vegetation bloom. Residents can expect rainy days during this period, contributing to the city’s lush greenery.
Despite the heavy rains in certain months, there are also dry periods.
These occur mainly in late summer and early fall. This balance between heavy and light rainfall periods is vital for the local ecosystem.
Average Snow In Sterling Heights, Michigan
During the colder months, Sterling Heights experiences significant snowfall.
The city sees about 46 inches of snow each year, usually from November to March. This period is marked by freezing temperatures and frequent snowy days.
January typically has the most snowfall with heavy snow and cold winds.
Snow and ice can create risky driving conditions, so residents prepare by using snow tires and clearing driveways regularly.
The consistent snow cover contributes to a real winter feel in Sterling Heights.
Snow and ice play a crucial role in the local climate, impacting daily life and the environment. For more information on snow and ice conditions, you can refer to the various articles on the topic.
Average Sun In Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights experiences varying amounts of sun throughout the year, with fluctuations in daylight hours and sunshine intensity. Understanding these variations can help residents and visitors plan their activities accordingly.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Sterling Heights, Michigan
The average daily shortwave solar energy in Sterling Heights changes significantly across the seasons.
In the summer months, long days and clear skies result in the highest solar energy levels.
During June and July, the city receives around 6.5 kWh/m² per day.
Conversely, winter months see much lower energy levels due to shorter days and more cloud cover.
December and January average about 1.5 kWh/m² per day. These fluctuations impact the amount of available sun hours and the UV index.
Sunny days are more frequent in the summer, while winter tends to have more cloud coverage.
Annually, Sterling Heights enjoys approximately 190 sunny days and around 2,725 hours of sunshine as reported by climate-data.org.
This distribution of sunshine is crucial for outdoor plans and solar energy utilization.
Average Humidity In Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights, Michigan experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year.
The highest relative humidity typically occurs in January, with an average of 74.0%.
During the summer months, relative humidity tends to be lower.
For example, August features a more comfortable average relative humidity of around 67%.
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 74.0% |
| August | 67.0% |
Dew points can provide more insight into the daily comfort levels.
Dew points range from about 21°F in winter to 40°F in spring. Lower dew points feel drier, while higher dew points indicate more moisture in the air.
Sterling Heights experiences different weather conditions letting residents prepare accordingly based on their preferences for humidity and temperature.
Average Wind In Sterling Heights, Michigan
The wind in Sterling Heights varies significantly throughout the year.
January is the windiest month with an average wind speed of 13.2 mph.
On the other hand, August is the calmest month, with a much lower average wind speed of 8.2 mph.
The calm period typically lasts from May 9 to October 5, offering a respite from the strong winds for about 4.9 months.
During this time, wind speeds generally stay lower, making outdoor activities more pleasant.
Wind direction mostly varies, though northwesterly and westerly winds are common.
This variation can affect daily weather patterns, including temperature and precipitation.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 13.2 |
| August | 8.2 |
Sterling Heights experiences diverse wind speeds and directions throughout the year. Understanding this can help residents prepare for different weather conditions.
Wind speeds are typically measured in miles per hour (mph), although some prefer kilometers per hour (km/h) for a more precise measure.
For those interested in the dynamics of wind and other related topics, articles about wind may provide additional insights.
Average Air Quality In Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights, Michigan, experiences varied air quality throughout the year.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to measure and report air quality, with specific pollutants like PM2.5 being a key component.
On an average day, Sterling Heights often sees moderate air quality levels, with AQI values typically ranging between 50 to 100.
This means that the air quality is acceptable, though some pollutants may be a concern for sensitive groups.
Occasionally, the air quality improves to good levels. For example, on some days, the AQI can drop to around 46.
During these times, everyone can enjoy outdoor activities with minimal concern for their health.
Visibility also plays a role in perceiving air quality.
On days with higher pollution levels, visibility can decrease significantly. Typically, when the air quality is moderate, the visibility might be slightly hindered but still acceptable for most day-to-day activities.
Temperature and weather conditions can impact air quality.
Warm and sunny days, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, often see better air quality.
Conversely, stagnant air conditions or high temperatures can lead to increased pollution levels.
Topography of Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights, located in Macomb County, Michigan, has a varied topography. The city lies between the coordinates 42.42031 – 83.19020 and 42.74031 – 82.87020.
Elevation Details:
- Average Elevation: 673 feet
- Minimum Elevation: 568 feet
- Maximum Elevation: 740 feet
These elevations highlight the relatively low but steady gradient changes in the area.
The city’s location also features an average pressure that remains consistent due to its flat terrain. The flat landscape ensures fewer variations in weather due to elevation changes.
To explore the different elevations and terrain features of the area, visit the Sterling Heights topographic map.
Additionally, nearby towns and cities like Warren also provide a clear picture of the shared geological features in this part of Michigan. Another valuable resource for detailed information is the USGS topo map.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights, Michigan, experiences a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year. These weather events can include heavy snowfalls, thunderstorms, and tornadoes.
Heavy snowfalls are common during the winter months. Snow accumulation can be significant, sometimes leading to disruptions in daily life.
Temperatures often drop below freezing, and roads can become hazardous due to snow and ice.
Thunderstorms are frequent in the spring and summer. These storms can bring periods of intense rain, lightning, and strong winds. On occasion, thunderstorms may also produce hail, posing a risk to property and vehicles.
Tornadoes are less common but still possible in Sterling Heights. When they do occur, they can cause severe damage to buildings and landscapes. The area’s weather alerts are crucial for keeping residents informed and safe during such events.
Hail often accompanies severe thunderstorms. Hailstones can vary in size, from small pellets to larger stones capable of causing damage to roofs and vehicles.
Sleet can also be a concern, particularly in late fall and early spring. Sleet storms can create slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights offers different experiences throughout its four seasons, with each period having unique weather patterns and activities.
Spring and fall are particularly favored for their mild weather, while summer provides warm temperatures suitable for outdoor activities.
What Is Sterling Heights, Michigan Like In Spring
Spring in Sterling Heights spans from March to May. During this time, temperatures gradually rise from the mid-40s°F to the mid-60s°F.
The landscape transforms as flowers bloom and trees regain their leaves, making it an appealing time for nature walks and outdoor activities.
Rain showers are common in spring, contributing to the lush greenery. The average rainfall in April is about 3 inches.
Visitors can enjoy local parks, such as the Dodge Park, which becomes increasingly vibrant. Spring is perfect for those who prefer milder temperatures and enjoy watching nature come back to life.
What Is Sterling Heights, Michigan Like In Summer
Summer in Sterling Heights, from June through August, is characterized by warm and sunny days.
Temperatures typically range from the high 70s°F to mid-80s°F. June and July are the warmest months, with ample daylight allowing for extended outdoor activities.
June is particularly notable as the wettest month, averaging around 10 days of rain.
Despite the occasional showers, this season is ideal for visiting parks, hosting picnics, and exploring outdoor attractions such as the Clinton River Trail. Warm weather events and festivals also attract many visitors, making summer a vibrant and lively time in the city.
What Is Sterling Heights, Michigan Like In Fall
Fall in Sterling Heights runs from September to November. The temperatures cool down from the 70s°F in September to the 40s°F by November.
This season is marked by the beautiful autumn foliage that covers the city, making it picturesque and ideal for scenic drives and photography.
Rainfall tends to decrease in fall, with October averaging about 2.5 inches of rain.
The crisp air and stunning colors make it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and visiting the Morley Candy Factory. This period is popular for those who enjoy pleasant weather and festive, fall-themed events.
What Is Sterling Heights, Michigan Like In Winter
Winter in Sterling Heights, from December to February, can be cold. Temperatures often dip into the 20s°F and 30s°F. Snow is common, averaging around 30 inches for the season. Despite the cold, the snow-covered landscape can be quite beautiful.
The city offers winter activities such as ice skating and sledding. Dodge Park transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring light displays and seasonal events. While the cold might be a deterrent for some, winter in Sterling Heights has its own charm, especially for those who enjoy winter sports and festive holiday celebrations.