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A clipper system is quickly moving into and through Michigan, the National Weather Service said, leaving snow across the Upper Peninsula Tuesday through Wednesday.
“Snow squalls will be possible as these features move across the Great Lakes and Northeast, which would create intense bursts of heavy snowfall with gusty winds, resulting in low visibility and dangerous driving conditions,” the National Weather Service said in its forecast. “Moderate to locally heavy snow accumulations are expected from the Great Lakes into New England today through Wednesday.”
The Upper Peninsula and most of northern Michigan are under a Winter Weather Advisory for the blustery system. The clipper system may leave 6 to 11 inches of snow in some areas. Lakes Michigan and Huron are under gale watches starting Tuesday night.
“A clipper system into tonight brings widespread moderate to heavy snow to the north and far eastern UP. Light snow ~1-3 inches is expected along the state line and in the south central. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and result in hazardous travel conditions,” the Marquette’s NWS office said on X.
Temperatures won’t be as cold as during the recent Arctic surge, but there will be low wind chill values on Wednesday, with Copper Harbor expecting to see a minus 5 wind chill value, the NWS said. In many areas, temperatures will rise on Thursday to about 40 degrees.
The winter weather will taper off on Thursday.
How much snow will the UP see this week?
In areas of the Upper Peninsula, significant snow could fall.
Houghton residents will likely get snow through Wednesday accumulating to 6 inches or more. Blustery winds, from 15 to 35 mph, also are expected through Thursday. The wind chill could reach zero to 5 on Wednesday before temperatures rise to near 36 on Thursday with sun.
In Ironwood, lighter snow accumulation is predicted, but with winds as high as 30 mph Tuesday night and 20 mph on Wednesday. Thursday could see a high of 39 and sunny skies.
Clipper systems: How the weather phenomena that starts in Canada impacts Michigan
Newberry could see heavy snow accumulation Tuesday through Wednesday —up to 11 inches, the weather service said. Wind speeds will be up to 20 mph, with a wind chill of zero to 5 Wednesday.
The NWS office in Gaylord says Sault Ste. Marie could see up to 6 inches of snow accumulation through Wednesday and wind chill values as low as minus 5.
Here’s a look at what other Michigan cities could see as the system moves eastward.
When will the clipper system pass through northern Michigan?
The Gaylord NWS office the Gaylord area could see snow accumulation of 6.5 inches now through Wednesday. Strong winds on Wednesday could reach 30 mph.
“Another round of widespread snow is expected today with generally 2-4” across northern Lower & 3-6” across eastern Upper,” the weather service said.
In the Harbor Springs and Petoskey and Alpena areas, residents wills see snow through Wednesday, accumulating at most 6 inches.
Traverse City is expected to see lighter snowfall through Wednesday, but steadier strong winds reaching speeds of 35 mph on Wednesday.
Thursday, temperatures across northern Michigan could reach near 40 degrees.
The weather service said it has snowed at least a trace every single day in January at the NWS Gaylord Office, and 63 out of the last 69 days.
How much snow will west Michigan get this week?
The Grand Rapids NWS office said the clipper system won’t impact western areas of the state as much, with snow showers unlikely until Thursday night.
“Becoming windy with a chance of snow by late afternoon, mostly north of I-96. Highs in the 30s,” the weather service said Tuesday morning.
Temperatures will range from the high 20s to nearing 40 degrees throughout the week.
What’s wind chill?: When temps fall and winds pick up, wind chill can be dangerous.
What will the weather be like in southwest Michigan?
In southwest Michigan, including Sturgis and Coldwater, there is no snow predicted. Highs from 20 to 40 degrees throughout the week are in the NWS forecast, with the possibility of rain on Thursday.
What to know: Lake effect snow blankets part of Michigan every year
Will Detroit be impacted by the clipper system?
“A clipper will bring 1-3″ of snow to the Tri Cities and northern Thumb today. Gusty winds to 30 mph may increase to 40 mph behind a cold front tonight. Lake effect snow showers will develop tonight and taper off Wednesday morning,” the NWS said on X.
A gale watch is in effect for Lake Huron today. The lake could see waves up to 12 feet, the NWS said.
The NWS office in Detroit is forecasting rain on Thursday after the system moves through. Temperatures will hover in the 30s throughout the week.
What will the weather be like Port Huron and the Thumb this week?
The weather service’s Detroit/Pontiac office said, there is a potential for scattered snow showers on Wednesday with strong gusts of wind as high as 37 mph.
Temperatures range from mid 20s to high 30s through the week.
Will Lansing get snow from the clipper system?
Lansing residents are not expected to see snow, though there is potential for a dusting Tuesday. Throughout the week, temperatures range from high 20s to 40 degrees. There is a chance of rain on Thursday and Friday.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
