4Warn Weather – Bitter cold air continues to spill into Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan tonight as a strong cold front pushes through the region.
A chance of light snow develops late this evening and overnight, mainly after midnight. Snowfall amounts are expected to remain light, ranging from a trace to no more than a half inch.
Still, even minor accumulation could create a few slick spots on untreated roads, sidewalks, bridges, and overpasses, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.
Behind the front, temperatures will continue to fall through the night, with lows dropping into the single digits and teens by Friday night.
Gusty west to northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph and sustained winds of five to 15 mph will drive wind chill values sharply lower, making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature.
This Weekend
By daybreak Saturday, wind chills will dip into the single digits and even below zero in many communities, with even colder readings expected Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Saturday will be cloudy and blustery, with temperatures struggling to climb out of the teens.
The persistent wind will keep wind chills below zero at times, particularly in the morning and again Saturday night.
The coldest conditions of the stretch are expected late Saturday night and early Sunday, when wind chills could plunge to between 5 and 15 degrees below zero across Southeast Michigan.
High temperatures on Sunday will only reach the upper teens to lower 20s, offering little relief from the cold.
The combination of bitter wind chills and prolonged exposure poses a real risk to health and daily routines.
At wind chill values near 10 degrees below zero, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Outdoor activities should be limited, and frequent indoor breaks are advised if time outdoors is unavoidable.
Children, older adults, and anyone with health conditions are especially vulnerable to the cold.
Metro Detroiter are urged to dress in layers, including hats, gloves, and scarves that cover exposed skin.
Pets should be brought indoors, and outdoor animals should have adequate shelter and unfrozen water.
Drivers should keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including blankets, especially if traveling overnight or early in the morning when temperatures are coldest.
Looking Ahead
Despite the harsh start to the weekend, a dramatic warmup is expected next week.
Temperatures will gradually rebound by Tuesday and Wednesday, climbing back toward and above 40 degrees.
As milder air returns, rain becomes more likely by midweek, signaling a shift away from the cold grip—at least temporarily.
Until then, take the cold seriously, plan ahead, and stay weather-aware through the weekend.
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