Despite Leelanau County receiving more than a foot of snow in the past week alone, a warm-up from the colder weather is expected next week.
As of Wednesday morning, the Maple City National Weather Service (NWS) volunteer station has recorded 123.6 inches of snow this winter, surpassing the total accumulated snowfall of 66.5 inches measured for the entire 2023-2024 season in Leelanau. The first day the Maple City station recorded snowfall was on Nov. 21, with snowfall and cold temperatures being relatively consistent over the last several months.
Local school districts have already had to use anywhere from six to eight snow days this year due to the snowy conditions and bitter cold weather. Glen Lake Community Schools has taken eight snow days, Leland Public School has used seven days, and both Suttons Bay and Northport Public School have used six days so far. State law limits districts to using up to six days to call off school, however, there is an opportunity to apply for forgiveness from the state for up to three more days.
