4Warn Weather – Metro Detroit will see a few snow showers Thursday evening and mostly cloudy skies at night, but more snow is on the way.
Friday
A quick burst of light snow Friday evening, followed by a surge of Arctic air that locks in bitter cold through the weekend.
While Friday begins relatively quiet with some sunshine and highs in the mid- to upper-20s, conditions change after sunset as a weak disturbance and lake-enhanced moisture bring snow showers into Southeast Michigan.
Accumulations will stay light. Generally, expect a dusting to a half-inch, with isolated spots up to an inch.
Even small amounts can create slick travel on untreated roads, especially later at night when temperatures fall into the teens.
Travelers heading home from Friday evening events should be prepared for reduced visibility at times and patchy icy spots.
With temperatures already below freezing, any snow that falls will stick.
This may also create light coatings on sidewalks and driveways, which could be slippery early Saturday, before most people head out for errands or holiday shopping.
Saturday
The bigger story arrives this weekend as a blast of Arctic air drops temperatures well below normal.
Saturday’s highs only reach the upper-teens to lower-20s, and wind chills will hover in the single digits throughout the day.
By Saturday night into early Sunday, the cold intensifies, and wind chills fall below zero — potentially as low as 5 to 15 degrees below zero in some areas.
This level of cold can become dangerous quickly, especially for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Pets should be brought inside, and people waiting at bus stops or working outside will need multiple layers, gloves, hats, and face coverings.
Pipes in colder, draft-prone areas of the home may also need extra insulation.
Sunday
Sunday brings some sunshine, but it will not do much to warm things up, with highs around 20 degrees and continued subzero wind chills early in the morning.
Those heading to church services, sporting events, or brunch will want to allow extra time to warm up the car and prepare for the bitter cold.
Roads remain dry, but the frigid temperatures mean any leftover moisture from Friday night’s snow will stay frozen.
Looking Ahead
The cold holds on into Monday, with highs in the lower 20s and increasing clouds.
A slight chance of snow showers develops after 1 p.m., but impacts are expected to be minimal at that time.
The good news is that a gradual warming trend takes hold next week. By Tuesday, highs climb back to around 30 degrees.
By Wednesday and Thursday, highs return to the upper-30s and even lower-40s.
This warmup will finally help break the stretch of Arctic air and offer some relief for outdoor activities, commutes, and heating costs.
In the meantime, Friday night’s snow and the weekend’s bitter cold will be the main weather stories for Metro Detroit.
Anyone with travel, work, or holiday plans should prepare for slick spots Friday night and take precautions during the dangerously cold air Saturday and Sunday.
Find the latest forecast from the 4Warn Weather team here
Remember to download the free 4Warn weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation. Just search your app store under WDIV, and it’s right there, available for both iPhones and Androids! Or click the appropriate link below.