DETROIT – This has been a challenging storm to forecast in terms of precipitation, due to very marginal temperatures relative to freezing at the surface and aloft. The temperatures aloft are critical for meteorologists.
It appears our transition from rain to snow will be complete Thursday evening, with some briefly higher snowfall rates before everything winds down.
There are two places I see with the best chance for the most accumulation:
The least snow will fall across Wayne, Lenawee, Monroe and the southern part of Washtenaw counties, where accumulation will likely be less than 1 inch. An exception could be the Irish Hills higher terrain area.
Most other areas are looking at 1 inch, or perhaps between 1 and 2 inches.
This will be a very heavy, wet snow. Do not try to shovel it yourself, especially because it's eventually going to melt, anyway.
Wind is another concern, as gusts over 50 mph are possible Thursday night near the Lake Huron shoreline, and to 40 mph farther south and west. Accordingly, the National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the Lake Huron shoreline counties, and a wind advisory for the rest of the area Thursday night.
Overnight lows should drop to or just below freezing (0 degrees Celsius), so watch out for some possible slick spots if you plan on heading out early Friday morning.
ALSO SEE: The biggest snowstorm in Detroit history happened in April
Speaking of Friday, the religious holiday known as Opening Day is finally here. Nothing screams spring like the Tigers' home opener. The only problem is that it won’t feel like spring. Even though skies will be sunny for the game, a gusty northwest wind blowing out to left field -- Miguel Cabrera loves it. That’s like holding a steak in front of a dog -- at 15 to 25 mph will make highs in the mid-40s (8 degrees Celsius) feel more like low to mid-30s (1 degree Celsius). Dress warmly, and go Tigers!
Friday’s sunrise is at 7:05 a.m., and Friday’s sunset is at 8:06 p.m.
There will be clear skies Friday night, as the wind finally subsides. Lows will be in the low 30s (0 degrees Celsius).
It will be mostly sunny on Saturday, with highs near 60 degrees (15 degrees Celsius). Saturday night will be mostly clear, with lows in the mid-40s (7 degrees Celsius).
Sunday will be partly cloudy, with highs in the mid- to upper 60s (19 to 20 degrees Celsius).
It will be mostly cloudy on Monday, with a possible shower late. Passover begins Monday evening. Keep that matzo dry! Tuesday will be a mild day with highs in the upper 60s to near 70 degrees (20-21 degrees Celsius).
