Metro Detroit weather: Weekend storm coming into better focus

Get set to shovel (and play in the) snow

DETROIT – Alright, here we go. 

While there are still some differences in the computer models, enough characteristics are coming into place to give me a better handle on how things will progress this weekend. 

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Here’s everything you need to know:

Tonight will feature just scattered snow showers, with lows in the low to mid 20s (that’s -5 degrees Celsius for our really cool Canadian friends).  West wind at 8 to 13 mph.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy on Saturday (meaning that there will probably be some breaks of sun from time to time), with scattered afternoon snow showers possible.  Highs in the upper 20s (-2 degrees Celsius).  West wind at 10 to 15 mph will create wind chills in the teens (about -11 degrees Celsius).  This is definitely the better of the two weekend days to get some holiday shopping done.  It’s also a really good time to get those Christmas lights out, because everything will be snow-covered for quite a while from Sunday on…

Saturday’s sunrise is at 7:52 AM, and Saturday’s sunset is at 5:01 PM.

Aside from any lingering snow showers, Saturday evening should be fine (albeit cold) for taking your sweetie out or heading to a holiday party.  Snow won’t develop until late Saturday night.  Lows in the low 20s (-5 degrees Celsius).

To help you plan, here are my detailed maps showing you this weekend’s weather timing:

Sunday snow

The initial snow Sunday morning will be light, but it should get heavier as the day progresses.  Those of you heading to the Lions’ big game against the Bears at Ford Field better plan on leaving plenty early if you don’t want to miss kickoff.  In fact, if finances permit, it may be a fun idea to grab a hotel downtown Saturday night.  Highs Sunday afternoon near 30 degrees (-1 degree Celsius), although temps could actually rise a few degrees Sunday night depending upon the storm’s track.  Wind chills will be around 20 degrees (-6 to -7 degrees Celsius).

Snow Sunday evening should taper off roughly around midnight.  This will be a long-duration snow event…probably snowing at various intensities for about twenty hours). 

My forecast total snow totals can be seen below on our 4ZONE Forecast:

       

There are two concerns I have with my snow forecast. First, while the GFS model portrays a stronger storm system, the normally reliable ECMWF has a weaker system. If the ECMWF verifies, then you can knock 1 to 3 inches off these totals. However, two other models, the GEM and UKMET, suggest higher snowfall rates than the ECMWF so, right now, I’m giving a tad more weight to the GFS model.  Second is the storm track: If the storm unexpectedly tracks farther north, then it will also shift the heaviest snow totals farther north.  In fact, if it tracks far enough north, a mix of precipitation, or even a bit of rain, could sneak north of the state line Sunday night.  I’ll need to monitor this.

Monday

Any Monday morning snow showers should taper off, leaving us breezy and mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid 30s (1-2 degrees Celsius).

Another Arctic cold front, this one more potent than this week’s front, will cross the area on Tuesday, with some snow showers accompanying it.  Highs should reach 30 degrees or so (-1 degree Celsius), before falling sharply Tuesday night.

Wednesday through Friday will be mostly cloudy, breezy, and cold, with snow showers possible.  Here are each day’s highs, lows, and wind chill…get ready to shiver and shake:

Wednesday: High 23, Low 14, Wind Chill 8  (Celsius:  High -5, Low -10, Wind Chill -13)

Thursday: High 18, Low 8, Wind Chill -5  (Celsius:  High -8, Low -13, Wind Chill -20)

Friday: High 20, Low 8, Wind Chill -5   (Celsius:  High -7, Low -13, Wind Chill -20)

Remember, check school closings here.

VIEW: Weekend construction outlook for Metro Detroit

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