Metro Detroit is getting its coldest air since last winter, with temperatures falling well below normal and wind chills expected to drop into subzero territory by Friday morning.
Thursday Night
After highs only in the 20s on Thursday, temperatures will fall quickly through the night. Fans heading to Ford Field for the 8:15 p.m. Lions–Cowboys game will have to brace for bitter cold.
Actual temperatures will be in the lower-teens at the end of the game in Downtown Detroit, but wind chills in the suburbs will be below zero. Skies will remain mostly clear, but the cold will dominate the night.
Overnight, the region drops into near-record territory. Lows early Friday morning will fall into the single digits for most communities, with wind chills between -10 (10 degrees below zero) and 5 degrees.
Some of the coldest readings will be west and north of Detroit.
Friday
Friday remains cold despite sunshine. Highs only reach the mid-20s, and wind chills hold in the teens during the afternoon. Temperatures ease slightly into the weekend, but the pattern stays below normal for early December.
This Weekend
Saturday brings mostly cloudy skies with highs in the lower- to mid-30s. A few flurries are possible, mainly north of I-69, but most areas will stay dry. Saturday night falls into the teens and lower-20s.
Sunday turns colder again with highs in the mid-20s to 30 degrees and a chance of light snow during the first half of the day. Any accumulation should remain minor, but it may briefly reduce visibility during the morning.
Next Week
The start of next week is quiet but cold. Monday will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy with highs in the mid-20s and overnight lows in the single digits and teens. A chance of snow moves back in Monday night, followed by likely snow on Tuesday with highs in the lower 30s.
The middle of the week brings another system that may produce a wintry mix on Wednesday before temperatures rise slightly into the mid-30s. Another chance of snow arrives Wednesday night and Thursday with highs in the upper-20s to mid-30s.
Frostbite can occur in this level of cold. Anyone spending time outdoors should limit exposure, cover all exposed skin, and dress in layers. Pets should be brought inside, and vehicles should be stocked with cold-weather emergency supplies, including blankets and a charged phone.
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