Detroit, Ann Arbor Forecast: Frigid conditions, sub-zero wind chills ahead

DETROT – The next chance of widespread and accumulating snow showers for Detroit, Ann Arbor and the rest of the Southeast Michigan region will be tonight into Monday. One to 3 inches of snow is forecast across this area.

But the more dangerous parts of the forecast are the blustery winds and very cold air. The incoming snow plus the winds gusting into the 30 to 40 mph range will create low visibility on the roads, making driving dangerous in some areas. They could also trigger snow squall conditions and whiteouts.

The Arctic-cold level air will lead to sub-zero wind chills, too. This will make it dangerous for people to be outside, even for short periods, with hands and faces exposed to the air. Children and older people are especially susceptible. Outdoor pets should be brought inside.

“Sub-zero wind chills are expected Monday through Tuesday as arctic air and gusty winds work through the area,” the National Weather Service meteorologists in Detroit said. “The lowest wind chills will occur Monday night and Tuesday morning, falling as low as around -15F.”

Here are the forecast highlights from the National Weather Service office in Detroit:

Michigan is bracing for a multi-day bout of bitter cold and snow as Arctic air settles over the region, bringing dangerous wind chills and hazardous travel conditions through at least midweek.

The first wave of very cold air arrived overnight, pushing dewpoints into the single digits across southern Michigan. While snow showers weakened through the early morning, overcast skies are expected to persist today with temperatures only reaching the low to mid 20s.

Another round of widespread snow is expected to begin tonight. Forecasters anticipate 1 to 2 inches of accumulation overnight as a weather system moves through the area. The main Arctic front will sweep through before Monday morning.

Monday will bring lake effect snow along with strong winds. Snow bands are expected to develop between I-94 and M-59 during the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach 30 to 40 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow conditions along with potential snow squalls. Snow totals Monday will vary depending on the location of the lake effect band, with most areas seeing 0.5 to 1 inch and locally higher amounts possible in the heaviest bands.

The dangerous cold will be the primary concern through the first half of the week. Temperatures will remain in the teens Monday and Tuesday, dropping to around 0 degrees Monday night. With the winds, wind chill values will be at or below 0 degrees for much of this period.

Monday night poses the greatest risk for dangerous wind chills. Areas near the Thumb and the Ohio border could see wind chills in the negative teens. Areas around M-59 may experience slightly warmer wind chill values between -10 and -5 degrees due to lingering lake effect clouds.

A brief warmup is expected Wednesday with temperatures returning to around 30 degrees. However, the relief will be short-lived as another weather system is already targeting the area for Wednesday, bringing another round of snow.