DETROIT – It's a mostly dry start to the day, but we're monitoring some patches of light drizzle in northern Indiana and Ohio that are moving to the northeast.
Since temperatures south of 8 Mile are mostly above freezing, most of any drizzle that falls there shouldn't freeze. North of 8 Mile, however, temperatures are mostly at or below freezing, so any patchy drizzle that develops this morning could generate a light glaze on untreated paved surfaces. Farther north, a band of snow north of I-69 is creating some slick travel.
Winter Weather Advisory canceled
Some positive news is that the Winter Weather Advisory that was in effect earlier for areas north of 8 Mile has been canceled by the National Weather Service, which means that any glazing should be scattered enough as to not be a widespread enough problem to warrant an advisory.
All precipitation should come to an end this afternoon, with temperatures rising into the mid 30s (1 to 2 degrees Celsius). Northeast wind will swing around to the northwest today, but remain light. Be extra careful when out this morning, and remember that bridges and overpasses always ice over first: you may be driving just fine on a roadway, but then suddenly hit some ice on an overpass…remember this just in case.
Today’s sunrise is at 7:59 a.m., and today’s sunset is at 5:05 p.m.
Mostly cloudy tonight, with lows in the low 30s (-1 degree Celsius).
Saturday forecast
Saturday will feature some clouds, but also some breaks of sun possible, with highs in the mid 30s (2 degrees Celsius). The weather shouldn't pose any problems if you have last minute Christmas shopping to get done, or getting to your Festivus celebrations. Good luck with airing your grievances and with your feats of strength! If you don’t know what Festivus is, I strongly suggest finding it on You Tube!
Mostly cloudy Saturday night, with lows in the low 20s (-6 to -5 degrees Celsius).
Christmas Eve forecast
Sunday will start dry, but it appears that some light snow is possible by mid to late afternoon, and continuing into Christmas Eve. This won’t be a big storm, but perhaps may be just enough to give us a fresh light coating of snow for that White Christmas that so many people want. Highs Sunday in the upper 20s (-2 degrees Celsius).
Christmas Day forecast
Christmas Day will be windy and bitterly cold. Lake effect snow showers can possibly make it across the state, but the big deal will be wind chills. Even though highs will be in the mid 20s (-5 to -4 degrees Celsius), the wind will make it feel like 10 degrees (-12 degrees Celsius) on your exposed skin. The cold weather will stick around for the rest of next week. If it’s too cold for the kids to play outside (or there’s not enough snow to play in), there are a LOT of things to do with them on their holiday break from school.
If they’re into science, try the Michigan Science Center, the Cranbrook Institute of Science, or the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum -- all promise a great time. There’s the Detroit Historical Museum to give them a taste of Detroit history. There’s the Detroit Institute of Arts -- so much to see and do there (and remember that it’s more than “just” paintings -- they have medieval suits of armor, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and all sorts of neat stuff). If they’re into music, how about taking them to the Motown Museum for some Detroit music history? And check the Pistons and Red Wings schedules -- Little Caesars Arena is a great place to watch a game. And while you’re downtown, take them on the new Q-Line! Or, for a lot of fun on the cheap, take them bowling!
Christmas travel forecast
Here are my updated national Christmas travel weather maps to help you plan your holiday travel. If you’re staying home but have friends and family that are traveling over Christmas, you may want to share this article with them to help them plan: