4 Warn Weather – Metro Detroit heads into the final weekend before Christmas with temperatures below normal and a stretch of mostly quiet, cold weather.
Light snow showers taper off Friday evening as winds slowly diminish. Skies stay mostly cloudy overnight, with lows in the teens in the Thumb and lower- to mid-20s in Metro Detroit.
This weekend
Saturday will be mostly cloudy and breezy, with a chance of sprinkles and flurries.
Highs will be in the mid-30s to near 40 degrees.
A brief rain-snow mix is possible late in the afternoon and into the evening, but no accumulation is expected.
Sunday turns colder again, with highs in the mid-20s and brisk west-northwest winds.
Sunday, which is the first day of winter, will bring partly cloudy skies.
Red Wings and Lions
Two major home sporting events will have fans in downtown Detroit, including some tailgaters.
The Detroit Red Wings host the Washington Capitals at Little Caesars Arena at 1 p.m. Sunday, when temperatures will hover in the mid-20s and skies will be partly cloudy.
The Detroit Lions host the Pittsburgh Steelers at 4:25 p.m. at Ford Field.
While the game is indoors, fans should expect temperatures in the mid-20s and a noticeable wind chill.
Gloves, hats, and hand warmers are advised.
Those planning to tailgate should watch for any patches of ice on sidewalks or parking lots.
Looking ahead
A warming trend arrives next week as Christmas approaches. Highs climb into the mid-30s on Monday, with a chance of rain and snow at night.
Highs will rise into the upper-30s and lower-40s Tuesday and Wednesday, with a chance of rain late Wednesday night into Thursday.
Christmas Eve (Wednesday) and Christmas Day (Thursday) are expected to be mostly cloudy and milder than average.
Highs will reach the upper-40s to lower-50s in parts of southeast Michigan.
Wet roads and scattered light rain could affect holiday travel, particularly Wednesday night into Thursday morning, but significant impacts are not expected in Southeast Michigan.
National travel
Nationally, there will be multiple fast-moving disturbances that could produce pockets of snow and rain across the Midwest, interior Northeast, and Northern Plains next week.
Travelers should check flight status and road conditions frequently, as localized snow belts and regional rain could still cause delays.
For holiday gatherings, the rain could mean wet commutes and slick steps.
Outdoor Christmas Eve traditions may need umbrellas, but temperatures will remain above freezing in much of Metro Detroit.
The Thumb will be at risk for icy roads and sidewalks at night and early Christmas morning.
Even without major storms, the combination of increased travel and occasional precipitation can lead to travel delays across the Great Lakes region.
Drivers are urged to allow extra time and stay weather-aware through Christmas Day.
Share your weather photos with the 4Warn Weather team at MIPics.
Find the latest forecast from the 4Warn Weather team here
Remember to download the free 4Warn 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.