Metro Detroit weather: Timeline shows what to expect as major winter storm approaches SE Michigan

Historic snow storm Wednesday and Thursday

DETROIT – A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties from 6 a.m., Wednesday, to 10 p.m., Thursday.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac and St. Clair Counties from 4 a.m., Wednesday, to 7 a.m., Thursday.


Welcome to Tuesday, Motown.

We have a historic snowstorms on the way for the region and an updated forecast is here. Tuesday, many families have plenty of time to prepare. The key to preparation is information, so let’s get started.

Tuesday afternoon, evening and night (mainly before going to bed) will be mild enough for rain to develop. It will be soggy for a good period of time. Then, colder air rushes in while many of us are sleeping and does not let go. Once it starts snowing in Southeast Michigan, flakes continuously fall for, at least, twenty four hours.

Click here for complete coverage on the February 2022 snowstorm.

The timeline

The 2022 Groundhog Day snowstorm timeline is as follows:

  • Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Scattered rain develops, and it begins getting wet. Temperatures will be in the 40s through dinnertime.
  • Tuesday from 8 p.m. through Wednesday at 3 a.m.: It will be rainy and chillier with temperatures falling from the 40s to the 30s.
  • Wednesday 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.: Rain changes to snow. The transition occurs in Genesee, Livingston and western Washtenaw Counties between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Then, snow engulfs all of Southeast Michigan afterward.
  • Wednesday 7 a.m. through rest of day: Persistent snow falling that will be heavy at times. 1 to 3 inches of fresh snow will be on the ground by mid-morning. 3 to 5 inches of snow by midday. 4 to 6 inches of snow by the end of the afternoon. 6 to 10 inches by midnight. Temperatures near freezing and in the upper 20s all day.
  • Thursday from 12 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Snowy, colder and windy. An additional 1 to 3 of snow possible with blowing snow lowering visibility and keeping roads and sidewalks snowy and slushy.
  • Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Snow becomes lighter and more scattered at lunchtime and just before dinnertime. By Thursday evening, snow begins to diminish even more and leave. The dry-line moves from northwest to southeast.

Grand snow totals

Grand totals of from the storm are between 8 and 16 inches with 8 to 12 inches north of 8 Mile Road and 12 to 16 inches south of 8 Mile Road.

Weekend forecast

Friday and Saturday will be sunnier and much more frigid with cold, Canadian air arriving.

We take the polar plunge Thursday night and Friday morning with temperatures falling to the single digits and near zero. Wind chills will be as low at 10 degrees below zero. Friday afternoon remains frigid under partly sunny skies. Highs will be in the upper teens.

Saturday morning will be even more brutal. The mercury starts near zero and below zero. Wind chills fall as low as 15 degrees below zero. Sun will be mixed with clouds with afternoon temperatures in the upper teens.


Remember to download the FREE Local4Casters 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.


Recommended Videos