What to expect in aftermath of Metro Detroit’s latest winter storm

Just because the moisture comes out doesn’t mean you can plan your day.

First, you’ll probably want to shovel some late Friday/early Saturday snow—at least on the sidewalk and sidewalk outside your door.

Temperatures are still hanging in the low 30’s with what feels like the low 20’s in wind chill conditions.

The roads are still very difficult as the storm’s snow rate was just a bit too much for plows to fully keep up with. We’re getting there, but your patience and safe driving are required when attempting to get onto area roads early on your Saturday.

Forecast for Saturday

Sunrise was at 7:04 am on Saturday. The day will be pretty decent for kids to enjoy that wet and heavy snow because it’s easier to make snow figures and snowballs.

Also, we’ll see some sunshine mix with clouds as the highs try to get it close to 40 degrees or slightly warmer. Our computer models call for low to maybe mid 40s, but they probably don’t account for fresh snowpack, meaning we’ll need more sun than clouds to be in 40 degrees or warmer on Saturday, and it’s possible.

Winds will be gusty throughout the morning before calming down in the afternoon – WNW 5-15mph and gusting 20-25mph, sometimes wind chills falling into the low to maybe mid 30’s during the warmest part of the day.

Get out and enjoy some of our winter wonderland, but shovel that heavy snow in layers and mind your body first. Do not exaggerate!

Sunset is at 18:27 on Saturday.

More snow or a wintry mix?

The computer models show a weakening wintry mix, or snow moving across Pure Michigan late, late Saturday, or early Sunday for a few smaller flakes.

Most of Sunday will be dry and very similar to Saturday. Yes, we have another shot at that low 40s, with enough sunshine, which is up for debate. On Sunday look for only partly sunny skies with lighter NW/SW winds of 5-18mph and temperatures near 40 degrees.

Outlook next week

Another wave of wet weather is upon us as the work and school week begins.

Monday will be interesting due to the way the forecasts are starting to come together, with some light snow perhaps during the morning drive. Doesn’t look like much and should transition to mostly rain showers during the day, with temperatures in the mid 40’s and gusty winds SE 10-17 gusting 20-25mph at times.

The tail end of this system is coming up just before a cold front that will very likely turn the daytime rain back into light snow by Monday evening. This only seems to be a minor issue for Monday and Monday evening travel.

We could have some moisture Tuesday morning before conditions start to dry out later in the day. So look for a little wintry mix early Tuesday, with most daytime hours on the dry side under partly sunny skies.

We should return to mid-30s highs nearing 40 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday this week, with dry weather in Metro Detroit Tuesday afternoon for the remainder of the work and school week.

There is a chance of light snowfall from Friday to Saturday – we will monitor that for you.