Michigan is in for a Balmy February – How Hot Will It Get?

As always, we've been through a roller coaster of weather in Michigan this season. December didn't feel like December at all. It actually rained on Christmas. I never thought that I would see rain on Christmas, but that's what happened. I'm actually happy about it, because I don't like snow, cold or ice. Then, January brought some snow and high winds, so it felt like winter again. Although, I have to say, it has been nothing like the winters that I remember as a kid. Now, Michigan is in for a hot February. So, just how hot will it get?

Looking at the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's forecast going into mid-to-late February, our state is on target to have above-normal temperatures. They give their predictions by using three outcomes: warmer-than-normal, near-normal and colder-than-normal.

From Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, the NOAA predicts above normal temperatures for the entire state. Those in the western part of the UP are even in for much above normal temps. How ironic is that for an area used to getting the coldest temperatures around? Then, looking ahead from Feb. 3 to Feb. 16, the NOAA predicts above normal temperatures again, but this time with less certainty. They give us a 55% to 60% chance of above normal temps during this period, whereas earlier in February, those numbers were more like 60% to 80%, depending on where you are in the state. Finally, the official 30-day forecast for February has Michigan temperatures "leaning above normal."

So, how hot will it get? Looking at Weather.com's forecast, the beginning of February, through Feb. 6, appears to the be the balmiest, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Not bikini weather, but in February, I'll take it. Last February, parts of Michigan were in the 50s, and I would not be mad about a repeat of that.

For those currently in the process of job hunting, the market is working in your favor right now. There are plenty of job opportunities available. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget came together for a conference in Lansing on Tuesday. The event aimed to chart the course of the state's employment landscape for the next seven years. Additionally, they’re working to ensure people know about the jobs currently in high demand.

Yesterday, the DTMB and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity released two publications: Michigan’s Hot 50 and Michigan’s Career Outlook. Michigan’s Hot 50 brochure provides a comprehensive list of careers projected to have high demand and offer competitive wages, with the projections extending until 2030. This informative resource includes key details such as job titles, projected annual job openings, hourly wage ranges, insights into job growth, and the necessary education or training levels.

For people with a high school diploma and short-term training, several careers are expected to experience heightened demand over the next eight years. These careers include amusement and recreation attendants, animal caretakers, exercise trainers, group fitness instructors, bartenders, hosts, and hostesses.

On the other hand, for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the demand is projected to be strong for professions including general and operations managers, accountants, auditors, medical and health services managers, physician assistants, and industrial engineers.

The information gathered in these lists is valuable for students and job seekers. It assists them in making informed decisions about their future paths.

"It is our goal to provide our education and workforce partners with the information they need to help Michiganders find their path to high-demand, high-wage jobs," Scott Powell, director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, said in a news release.

Check out these five most in-demand jobs in Michigan, as highlighted by Michigan's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. See the complete list here.

The projected annual job openings amount to 6,545, offering an hourly wage spanning from $29 to $72. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 11.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree alongside relevant work experience.

The projected annual job openings amount to 7,635, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $29. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12.7%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a postsecondary nondegree award, short-term on-the-job training, or a license.

The projected annual job openings amount to 8,240, offering an hourly wage spanning from $21 to $40. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 9.6%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include moderate on-the-job training.

The projected annual job openings amount to 6,345, offering an hourly wage spanning from $30 to $38. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 7.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree or s license.

The projected annual job openings amount to 1,420, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $30. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree or s license.