Metro Detroit is positioned to get its first significant snowfall of the season this week.
A 4Warn Weather Alert has been declared for Wednesday and Thursday.
A Winter Storm Watch will be in effect for part of Southeast Michigan from 1 p.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. Thursday.
The watch will cover all communities in Southeast Michigan north of Eight Mile Road/M-102, including Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair and Sanilac counties. All other counties of the Thumb and Saginaw Valley are also blanketed by the watch.
The watch has been issued for the possibility of 4 to 7 inches of snow and the potential of light ice accumulation. Southeast Michigan communities outside the watch are currently expected to get less snow, but road conditions could be tricky.
A shift in the winter storm’s track would change potential accumulations. More mixed precipitation would lower the snow totals. Overall, the impact will be felt differently across the region with accumulations varying considerably.
Monday Night
Before the storm, weather conditions will be relatively calm.
Monday night will be mostly cloudy with lows in the upper teens.
Tuesday
A cold front will reinforce cold air over the Great Lakes region Tuesday, which will lead to daytime highs staying below freezing for the next several days.
Tuesday will be mostly cloudy, but a few snow showers cannot be ruled out. Highs will be in the upper 20s to near 30 degrees. Nighttime temperatures will tumble back into the teens.
Wednesday
Wednesday will start off with just cloudy skies, but during the afternoon snow will push eastward over Southeast Michigan. Some wintry mix will be possible. Roads could become slippery in time for the afternoon and evening drive, but conditions will deteriorate later into the night.
Following highs in the mid to upper 20s, Wednesday night will see little change in temperatures. Lows will be in the lower 20s.
Thursday
The snow is expected to continue through the overnight hours and wind down before sunrise on Thursday. The Thursday morning commute will likely be slow and slippery.
The rest of Thursday will be mostly cloudy with the chance of a few lake-effect snow showers. Daytime temperatures will peak in the mid 20s, before sharply falling at night. Lows will be around 10 degrees.
Valentine’s Day
Metro Detroit will get a break from the snowy action for Valentine’s Day. Friday will be mostly cloudy, cold, and dry. Highs will be in the lower to mid 20s, and lows will dip into the teens.
This Weekend
Then, the next round of snow will arrive for the weekend.
A heavy, wet snow will be possible on Saturday with additional accumulations. Temperatures will rise to freezing and above with highs in the lower 30s. Lows will be in the teens.
Sunday will be colder with snow showers. Highs will be in the lower 20s, and lows will be in the single digits.
The anticipated snowpack will not melt anytime soon. Arctic air will return to Metro Detroit for the start of next week.
