Snow is creating challenging travel across Southeast Michigan this Wednesday as thousands head out for New Year’s Eve celebrations, but another concern settles in overnight: colder air.
Light snow continues into the evening hours, with most areas picking up around an inch before tapering off by 8 p.m. While snowfall amounts are modest, the timing is problematic, as untreated roads, bridges, ramps and sidewalks may become slippery during a busy night.
Winds from the west and northwest are adding to the impact, gusting between 25 and 30 mph at times. Those winds will help drive wind chill values down quickly late tonight, making it feel colder than zero in many locations by midnight and into early Thursday morning.
Temperatures steadily fall through the evening, dropping from the lower 20s early tonight into the teens by midnight.
For those celebrating outdoors or walking between venues, the cold will be a significant concern. Exposed skin can become uncomfortable quickly, and proper winter clothing is strongly advised. Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance and remain alert for sudden slick spots, especially where snow has been compacted.
New Year’s Day
By daybreak on New Year’s Day, wind chills are expected to be subzero in many communities. The holiday will remain cold, with highs struggling to reach the lower 20s. Winds stay brisk, keeping wind chills in the single digits for much of the day. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a chance for occasional flurries, though no additional accumulation is expected.
This Weekend
The cold pattern lingers into the end of the week. Highs climb only into the mid to upper 20s Friday and Saturday, with nighttime lows in the teens. Spotty flurries remain possible at times, especially late Saturday and Sunday.
A gradual warmup begins early next week, with temperatures edging into the 30s by Monday and Tuesday, though skies remain mostly cloudy.
Until then, officials urge residents to use caution if heading out tonight, dress for dangerous wind chills, and prepare for continued winter conditions as the new year begins.
Share your photos of the snow and your New Year’s celebration with Local 4 at MIPics.