4Warn Weather – Light snow is expected to return to Southeast Michigan Thursday afternoon and continue into Friday, bringing slick travel conditions and colder air that will linger into the weekend.
When to expect snow
Snow is forecast to begin Thursday afternoon and continue through the evening, with the heaviest snowfall arriving on Friday.
Total accumulation is expected to range from about one to three inches, with most falling on Friday.
While snowfall amounts are not expected to be heavy, even light accumulation can make roads slippery and reduce visibility during the Friday morning and afternoon commutes, when traffic volumes are highest.
Wednesday night
Mostly cloudy skies are expected on Wednesday night, with temperatures falling into the single digits across Southeast Michigan.
Winds will be light, allowing cold air to settle in, especially in outlying and rural areas.
Clouds will limit how fast temperatures drop, but it will still be a cold night heading into Thursday morning.
Thursday
Thursday will start cold, with morning temperatures in the teens, then slowly warm to the lower and mid-20s in the afternoon.
Skies will remain mostly cloudy, and winds will turn to the south and southwest at 5 to 10 mph, helping temperatures rise slightly through the day. Snow is expected to hold off until the afternoon.
Those attending the Detroit Pistons’ home game Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena should dress for the weather.
Temperatures around tipoff will be in the lower 20s, with a chance of light snow in the evening.
Cloudy skies and cold air will make it feel colder than the thermometer reading, especially with a light breeze.
Thursday night and Friday
Temperatures Thursday night will fall into the teens and single digits across much of the region, with highs on Friday reaching the lower to mid-30s before colder air arrives later in the day.
Southwest winds early Friday will shift to the northwest by afternoon and increase, with gusts between 30 and 40 mph possible.
As the colder air moves in, temperatures will drop quickly on Friday evening.
Weekend and wind chills
Wind chills are expected to fall into the negative teens by Friday night and early Saturday, creating bitter conditions for anyone outdoors.
Actual temperatures Saturday morning will start in the single digits and lower teens, with afternoon highs only in the teens and lower 20s under mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies.
A few snow showers will be possible late Saturday.
Cold conditions will continue Saturday night, with lows near zero in some areas.
Sunday will bring some improvement, with highs climbing into the lower 20s and flurries possible. Winds will be lighter, but the air will remain cold.
A gradual warming trend is expected to begin early next week. Highs are forecast to reach the upper 20s to near 30 on Monday, and climb into the lower to mid-30s by Tuesday and Wednesday.
Skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy, with no significant snow systems currently indicated.
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