4Warn Weather – Strong winds and scattered snow showers are sweeping across Southeast Michigan on Monday, a sharp turnaround from the warmth the region experienced just a day earlier.
Wind Advisory
A Wind Advisory remains in effect across Southeast Michigan until midnight, with southwest winds shifting to west and northwest and gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph.
The gusty winds are expected to continue through the evening as colder air pours into the region behind a passing cold front.
The winds could cause several impacts across Metro Detroit and surrounding communities.
Loose outdoor objects may be blown around, tree limbs could fall, and isolated power outages are possible.
Gusts this strong can also make travel difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as trucks, vans, and SUVs, and drivers are urged to use extra caution.
In addition to the wind, scattered snow showers and occasional lake-effect bursts are expected through the evening.
Some of these snow showers may become briefly heavy, reducing visibility and creating rapidly changing road conditions during the evening commute.
Visibility could drop quickly at times, and while snowfall amounts are expected to remain light to none, brief slick spots may develop on roads, especially bridges and overpasses, as temperatures continue to fall.
The wintry conditions come just hours after a dramatic temperature swing.
Metro Detroit saw temperatures climb into the lower 70s Sunday, but readings dropped into the 30s Monday with snow showers developing as colder air surged into the region.
Such swings are not uncommon in March across the Great Lakes, when strong cold fronts can quickly replace warm air with colder Canadian air masses.
Temperatures will continue to fall Monday evening, with overnight lows dropping into the teens in some areas.
Combined with the lingering wind, wind chill values could approach zero by early Tuesday morning, making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature.
St. Patrick’s Day
Tuesday will remain unseasonably cold with highs mainly in the mid- to upper 20s across much of Southeast Michigan. St. Patrick’s Day partygoers will be asked to dress warmly.
There will also be a noticeable temperature difference across the region. Northern communities such as Lapeer County are expected to stay colder, with highs struggling to reach the mid-20s on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, areas closer to Detroit and the southern suburbs may see slightly warmer temperatures approaching the upper 20s.
Looking Ahead
Conditions are expected to moderate later in the week.
High temperatures are forecast to climb back into the upper 30s and 40s by midweek, eventually reaching the upper 40s to lower 50s by Thursday and Friday as milder air returns.
For now, drivers should allow extra travel time if snow showers reduce visibility.
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