4Warn Weather – A winter weather advisory is in effect for all of Southeast Michigan from 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12 until 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. The advisory has been issued due to accumulating snow Friday, then again on Saturday, along with wind gusts up to 50 mph possible on Saturday.
Winter storm bringing snow Friday
We are expecting an impactful winter storm to move through Southeast Michigan over the next 24-36 hours. Our Friday will be cloudy before snow arrives in the afternoon.
Snow will reach our southern counties first by 2 p.m. before moving into Metro Detroit by 4 p.m. The snow continue to push north into our northern counties through the evening.
The peak intensity of the precipitation is expected during the late afternoon and evening hours Friday, impacting your commute.
Snow switches to rain, then back
Snow will switch over to rain in most places between 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday. There’s still some uncertainty about how the rain/snow line will progress northward, where it will land and when.
Where the rain/snow line ends up could have an impact on our snow totals for this weekend’s storm. Areas closer to the shoreline in eastern Wayne, Monroe and St. Clair counties should see lesser amounts of snow because they’ll likely get a bit more rain.
Some areas more north and west of Metro Detroit may not see any rain, so their snow totals will be higher. Those areas could exceed 5-6 inches of snow by the end of Friday night. For areas that receive a few inches of rain, the rain is expected to melt any of the wet snow that accumulates on Friday.
The rain will change back over to snow by 2 a.m. Saturday morning. Despite the rain, it’s still possible that Metro Detroit could receive anywhere from 2-6 inches of snow as more snow builds in before sunrise Saturday.
Snow showers continue Saturday
Once the rain changes back to snow, showers will continue throughout the majority of Saturday. Snow showers will develop fast, and will drop an accumulation of snow in a short period of time.
A westerly wind will move in and and bring moisture off of Lake Michigan, causing lake effect showers in the region.
We’re expecting a widespread 1-3 inches of additional snow accumulation pm Saturday. This snow will be much drier and finer compared to the snow that falls Friday.
In addition to the snow, strong winds are expected on Saturday, and could contribute to whiteout conditions throughout the day. Winds will move between 20-35 mph, and gust as high as 45-50 mph.
Much colder air will also move in on Saturday, and temps will continue to drop in the days to follow. Temperatures will be near the freezing mark on Saturday, though it will feel much colder -- in the single digits -- due to the wind chill.
More snow, below-zero temps Sunday
Snow showers are expected to continue Sunday and even into Monday. A blast of arctic air will drop our feels-like temperatures below zero on Sunday.
Highs will be in the mid-teens on Sunday in the Detroit area. Lows will be in the single digits Sunday night.
Outside of the city, wind chills will be well below zero (as low as -10 to -15 degrees) on Sunday and for quite a few days.
If you’re planning on heading down to the Lions Game at Ford Field on Sunday, you will need all the winter gear with the snow showers remaining in the forecast, and temperatures into the teens heading into Sunday evening.
Quick-glance forecast
- Friday: Cloudy skies, snow develops in the afternoon hours. Moderate to heavy snow expected. High: 38. Winds: East 10-20 mph with gusts as high as 35 mph.
- Friday night: Cloudy skies. Snow changes to rain for the mid-late evening hours, then back to snow in the early portions of the overnight. Low: 25. Winds: East 20-30 mph with gusts as high as 45-50 mph.
- Saturday: Cloudy skies. Expect icy road conditions in the morning. Snow showers likely throughout the day. Additional accumulation expected. Blowing snow possible with windy conditions. High: 33. Winds: West 25-35 mph with gusts as high as 45-50 mph.
- Saturday night: Cloudy skies, a chance of snow showers. Windy and cold. Low: 12. Winds: West 20-30 mph with gusts as high as 40 mph.
- Sunday: Cloudy skies. A chance of snow showers. Colder temperatures. Breezy winds anticipated. High: 17. Winds: Southwest 15-25 mph with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Next week
Temperatures will remain in the single digits on Monday and Tuesday night in Metro Detroit.
Snow showers are expected to carry over into next week on Monday, with more chances continuing through the week. more snow is especially possible late Wednesday into Thursday next week.
Highs will be in the teens on Wednesday before returning to the mid-20s on Thursday.
Track the live Michigan Weather Radar here
Remember to download the free 4Warn weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation. Just search your app store under WDIV and it’s right there available for both iPhones and Androids! Or click the appropriate link below.