Rapidly changing weather conditions ahead with rain, snow heading to Metro Detroit

You might encounter a pleasant surprise as you step outside today, but muddy paws alert as snow is already starting to melt. We are waking up with temperatures above freezing across Southeast Michigan. Southwesterly winds will result in milder and slightly above average temperatures today with highs on either side of 40 and then rising into the upper 40s on Thursday. With rain in the forecast tomorrow, this is the day to get outside and enjoy the milder temperatures. However, we begin a rapid thaw over the next 48 hours that could lead to runoff and standing water.

Widespread rainfall is expected on Thursday. Some areas could see up to a half an inch of rain, leading to runoff and flooding concerns as that will be paired with the melting snow at the surface. Highs will be in the upper 40s. Thursday night brings the potential for trouble as a dramatic drop in temperatures will occur.

An arctic airmass builds in Friday with gusty winds of 30-40 mph. This leads to multiple concerns. With a rapid drop in temperatures, a flash freeze still remains a possibility Thursday night into Friday morning. That means wet surfaces will freeze over leading to slick travel conditions. In addition, scattered light snow showers into Friday morning paired with gusty winds could also result in isolated snow squalls reducing visibility. Snowfall accumulations look to be up to an inch in heaviest areas. So although the snowfall totals aren’t impressive, the snow could disguise ice below it. Expect the Friday morning commute to be impacted more by potential slick conditions.