4Warn Weather – Tuesday delivered some sunshine to parts of Southeast Michigan, but two significant weather systems are eyeing Southeast Michigan this week.
On Tuesday night, skies will be mostly cloudy as temperatures dip into the teens. In Dearborn, Madison Heights, Warren, and other Metro Detroit communities, it will be in the upper teens. Lows will be around 10 degrees in the Thumb. Northerly winds will be around 5 mph.
Wednesday
Under mostly cloudy skies, Wednesday afternoon temperatures will peak in the mid- to upper 20s. Metro Detroit’s weather will be relatively calm during the day, but precipitation will begin to arrive from the southwest in the evening.
Adrian, Ann Arbor, and Monroe will be among the first cities in Southeast Michigan to experience precipitation, which is likely to begin as light snow. After midnight, the transition to freezing rain will begin. Snow and sleet will also mix in at times. Overnight temperatures will be in the 20s and climb several degrees.
Thursday
A 4Warn Weather Alert has been declared for Thursday morning due to wintry weather, including ice accumulation.
The ice accumulation will range from a thin layer near the I-69 corridor to nearly one-fourth of an inch in a few places in Monroe County. Generally, ice totals will decrease as one travels northward in Southeast Michigan. Greater snow totals will be north of M-59, where up to a half-inch of snow could fall.
While the areas with greater ice accumulation could have isolated power outages, the primary concerns will be the slick road conditions.
The precipitation will end by late Thursday morning, and temperatures will rise above freezing before noon. Afternoon temperatures in the upper 30s to 40 degrees will melt the ice. Southerly winds will increase, with gusts up to 30 mph.
Thursday night’s lows around 20 degrees will refreeze residual moisture on roadways and sidewalks.
Heading into the weekend
Colder air will flow into Metro Detroit on Friday and the weekend, with highs in the upper 20s and lower 30s. Saturday evening will bring another round of wintry weather, similar to the midweek system. Ice and snow accumulations will again be possible.
Reminders for driving on ice and snow
Be sure to allow extra time for travel during this week’s inclement weather. Also, allow extra time for stopping and increasing your following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Consider keeping a bag of salt, cat litter, or sand in your vehicle’s trunk. The weight of the bags can add traction while driving. If you have trouble getting the car to move due to ice, the salt, cat litter, or sand can also provide traction for tires.
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