DETROIT – Remember last week -- that January week in which we had snow, freezing rain and thunderstorms?
Well, we have a similar (but not identical) scenario tonight and tomorrow. Fortunately, it appears that we’ll stay dry through most of the daytime hours today, as clouds increase through the morning. Our morning rush hour will be dry, but there’s a chance that a wintry mix will develop over part of our area as we approach the afternoon rush.Â
This could be light snow, light sleet, light freezing rain, or a combination.Â
The east to southeast wind (light as it may be) will temper our warmth, as highs only reach the low 30s (0 degrees Celsius). While this high is near freezing, keep in mind that the air will be very dry so, once the precipitation begins, it will initially evaporate -- and that evaporation will cool the air to or a little below freezing. That’s why you feel cold when you step out of the shower or pool -- water is evaporating and, thus, cooling your skin, and is why we’re expecting a wintry mix at the start.
Freezing rain advisory
The National Weather Service has issued a Freezing Rain Advisory for Macomb, Oakland, Livingston, St. Clair, Lapeer and Genesee Counties from 10 a.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Tuesday, and a Winter Weather Advisory (more snow and sleet than freezing rain) for Sanilac County.
The wintry mix of precipitation will change to plain old rain tonight as warmer air continues pushing in from the south. But this will be a gradual process from south to north, so those of you north of 8 Mile will see a longer period of freezing rain than those farther south. Temperatures should remain nearly steady, then rise into the mid 30s by dawn. East wind 4 to 7 mph.
Not only is rain likely on Tuesday, but we may also get a repeat performance of last week’s January thunderstorms! It’s uncommon enough to get them once, but really uncommon twice in the same January. Highs in the low to mid 40s (6 degrees Celsius). And by the way, since somebody e-mailed me just before 3:00 AM today asking, let me reassure you that I am not expecting any severe thunderstorms.
Rain gradually diminishes Tuesday night, with a few inconsequential wet snowflakes possible. Lows in the low 30s (watch out for areas of ice first thing Wednesday morning if the temp reaches freezing before moisture evaporates off of paved surfaces).
Mostly to partly cloudy on Wednesday, with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s (4 to 5 degrees Celsius).
Partly cloudy Wednesday night, with lows in the low 30s (-1 to 0 degrees Celsius).
Partly cloudy and mild on Thursday, with highs in the low to mid 40s (6 degrees Celsius).
Increasing clouds Thursday night, with lows in the low to mid 30s (0 to 1 degree Celsius).
Mostly cloudy on Friday, with highs in the mid 40s (7 degrees Celsius). Looks like a mild day for the start of Winter Blast here in downtown Detroit!
Mostly cloudy and even warmer on Saturday, with highs in the mid 40s (7 degrees Celsius).
We do have a chance for some rain showers on Sunday, with highs in the mid 40s (7 degrees Celsius).
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