Michigan
Southeast Michigan averted storms for now, but more could be coming later
Fortunately — or unfortunately, depending on your perspective — the unpredictable nature of Michigan’s weather means that the overnight forecast Monday into Tuesday wasn’t as bad as the meteorological models suggested.
But forecasters said early Tuesday, it could just be delayed.
It turns out the moisture that was predicted for southeast Michigan wasn’t there, and the overnight storms didn’t happen, the National Weather Service said. But that also doesn’t mean the entire prediction was wrong.
Meteorologists had forecast the weather in southeast Michigan will be a wild ride this week with strong wind gusts, perhaps even a tornado, large hail, thunder and snowstorms — and record highs with lows in the 20s.
And all that could be still coming later Tuesday — or not, which would be good for voters heading to the polls to vote in the presidential primary. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
The weather service told the Free Press it should know more about what’s coming in the next few hours as it adjusts its predictions to changes, which can happen quickly this time of year.
Michigan weather radar: See the current conditions
Tuesday morning, the weather service said, may still bring storms with heavy rainfall, hail, as big as a quarter, and some strong winds, potentially up to 30-40 mph, with highs in the mid-60s, setting a state record.
That might be followed by more rain and hail with even stronger winds, 50-60 mph, enough to take out power lines, which, last year at this time, utilities were scrambling to reconnect with electricity out to hundreds of thousands of customers.
However, while forecasters don’t ever want to be wrong, it’s a prediction they wouldn’t mind if it were. If southeast Michigan stays dry — and no one loses electricity — few likely will complain.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com
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Snow, sleet and freezing rain hit Southeast Michigan
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Michigan
Michigan to see snow, rain Monday ahead of warming temperatures
Several inches of snow in the forecast
Southeast Michigan is expected to get 1-3 inches in most areas, with some cities potentially receiving less accumulation as a result of mixed precipitation.
Fox – 2 Detroit
Several inches of wet snow are expected accumulate across parts of Michigan through Monday night, according to the National Weather Service, with some areas possibly experiencing more than 6 inches of accumulation of wet snow.
While the southern Lower Peninsula is expected to receive a mix of rain and snow early in the week, the highest snowfall totals are expected north of M-46.
Christmas Day, however, could look a little different, according to the NWS office in Detroit/Pontiac, as warmer weather moves in and rain by the weekend.
With lake effect snow, western Michigan could experience accumulation Monday with 2 to 4 inches of snow with temperatures in the high 30s.
Roads could become slippery and messy early this week, and NWS offices across the state are encouraging Michiganders to leave extra travel time for commutes.
How much snow is expected in west Michigan?
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids issued a winter weather advisory through Monday.
“Low pressure will bring snow and mixed precipitation today with 2 to 4 inches of snow north of I-96 and snow, sleet and freezing rain to the south. Highs will be in the lower 30s,” the weather service said. “Wintry weather today will feature a mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain across southern Lower Michigan, while 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected in central and northern Lower Michigan. The precipitation will taper off to snow flurries this evening.”
Northern Michigan expected to see gradual warming before Christmas
A winter weather advisory is in effect for northern Michigan and parts of the UP today, the National Weather Service in Gaylord said.
“Snow will continue to spread across the area this morning. Heavier, wet snow will be seen over eastern upper for this mornings commute. This heavier, west snow will show up over northern lower a few hours later — more around the mid-morning hours. Drive carefully today, as wet snow leads to slushy and slipper roads,” the weather service said.
After today, the National Weather Service in Gaylord is predicting a warmer Christmas this year.
“Skies will be mostly cloudy for the majority of the week with temperatures becoming mild, said the weather service in a statement on X.
Northern Michigan could see a clipper system
Areas in Northern Michigan could see wet snowfall today, thanks to lake effect snow off Lake Michigan and a clipper system, an area of low pressure that usually forms in the southern provinces of Canada, and quickly drops southeast into the eastern U.S., bringing a shot of cold, arctic air with it.
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Monday.
“A system moving through the Great Lakes will produce widespread light, wet snow today across south central Upper Michigan,” the weather service said.
Expected snowfall through Dec. 24
In the Lower Peninsula, the weather service predicted lower snowfall totals for areas farther south. Here’s a look at some expectations:
- Detroit: 1 inch
- Grand Rapids: 1 inch
- Big Rapids: 2 inches
- Cadillac: 6 inches
- Clare: 4 inches
- Bad Axe: 6 inches
- Kalamazoo: 1 inch
- Muskegon: 1 inch
- Lansing: 1 inch
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
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