Metro Detroit is getting a taste of spring Friday, with sunshine and temperatures climbing into the mid-50s, which is roughly 15 degrees above average for late February.
After a chilly start in the 20s and lower 30s early Friday morning, southwest winds will help boost afternoon highs into the lower to mid 50s under mostly sunny skies. Wind gusts around 30 mph are possible at times, making it breezy but still comfortable.
The mild and dry weather makes Friday an ideal day for outdoor errands, including car washes.
Cavaliers vs. Pistons game
For basketball fans heading downtown to Little Caesars Arena for the Detroit Pistons’ 7 p.m. tipoff, temperatures will remain mild. Readings will be near 50 degrees during the evening hours with partly cloudy skies, falling into the mid-40s by 10 p.m.
The warmth won’t last.
A cold front sliding through Friday night will knock temperatures back down this weekend. Saturday highs are expected to reach the lower 40s before colder air settles in. Clouds will increase during the day, and snow is possible late Saturday afternoon into Saturday night.
Current forecasts suggest most of Metro Detroit could see a dusting to around an inch of accumulation, with slightly higher totals north toward Flint, Lapeer and the Thumb. While snowfall amounts are not expected to be significant, periods of slick travel could develop Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
By Sunday, highs will struggle to reach 30 degrees, nearly 25 degrees colder than Friday’s peak. Sunshine returns, but the colder air will refreeze any untreated moisture.
Cool start to next week
Temperatures gradually moderate early next week. Highs rebound into the 30s Monday and upper 30s to lower 40s Tuesday, with a mix of rain and snow possible. By midweek, readings climb back into the mid-40s, and rain chances increase again by Thursday as highs approach the 50s.
The up-and-down pattern means residents should plan for quick wardrobe changes and remain mindful of changing road conditions from dry pavement Friday to possible slick spots by late Saturday night.
In true late-February fashion, spring will make a cameo appearance, but winter still has more left to deliver.
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