I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer, here, but winter is coming to Michigan.

I know, there's still so much fall left to enjoy. But the inevitable truth is that winter is bound for the Mitten State, and not necessarily on the exact day that winter is supposed to start—which is officially December 21.

A Lighthouse surrounded by ice and snow in the middle of winter, harsh winter
Photo by Peggy Sue Zinn on Unsplash
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What I’m saying is that we should enjoy all the lovely things fall in Michigan has to offer, but we should also be on the lookout for how bad winter might be.

READ ALSO: 7 Things Only Michiganders Complain About During Winter

The difference between a "good" winter and a "bad" winter can mean the difference between paying something reasonable or astronomical for winter heating bills.

Why Michigan Winters Can Be Brutal

One winter in Michigan it was so cold that when I went to open my car door, my handle was so frozen that it completely broke off in my hand. I'd like to NOT deal with that this year.

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Let's also keep in mind that the coldest temperature ever recorded in Michigan got all the way down to -51 and the earliest snow we've ever had was September 12, 1923.

20 Signs that Michigan is in for a Bad Winter

So, how can you tell that Michigan is going to be in for a harsher winter than normal? Well, there are a few signs—20, to be exact—that we can start to take note of now that the Farmers' Almanac says are signs of a bad winter later.

Take note of the signs, below.

Farmers’ Almanac Winter Predictions

These are 20 Signs That Michigan's Winter Will Suck

Winters in Michigan can vary wildly, but there are always signs that give us hints as to how bad it can be. Check out the 20 signs that Michigan's winter might suck.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

Michigan's 5 Most Common Winter Bugs: How to Keep Them Out

Michigan's Falls may be filled with color, but while we're looking up and admiring the trees, bugs are slipping in through tiny little crevices in your home that are essentially little welcome mats for the state's top 5 winter pests. When you're battling bugs, you go to someone who's in the trenches, so I asked Bob Yoakman, Mason, Michigan's Bug Man, for tips on how to keep Michigan's 5 Most Common Winter Bugs at bay.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Each State Ranked by How Miserable Their Winters Are

Winter can be pretty rough. However, some states have it easier than others. Find out which states have the most miserable winters and find out where Michigan shakes out on the list.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

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