DETROIT – An extreme cold watch has been issued for all of Southeast Michigan over the next 60+ hours.
The watch was issued at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, and is in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.
All of Southeast Michigan is included -- Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe, Livingston, Lenawee, St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, and Sanilac counties.
Wind chill temperatures are expected to reach dangerously low levels over the next couple of days.
An arctic airmass is expected to settle over the area Thursday night, bringing actual temperatures below zero late Thursday night and Friday night. Wind chills both nights into the following mornings are likely to be in the 15-20 below zero range.
It’s possible wind chill temperatures get as low as 25 below zero, according to the National Weather Service.
Those temperatures could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Metro Detroiters should dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves when going outside. Keep pets inside as much as possible, and use caution while traveling outside.