West Michigan is facing a significant weather event as it transitions from snowfall and blowing snow to a period of exceptionally cold temperatures. An Arctic air mass is expected to settle over the region by early Friday morning, lasting through Sunday and prompting the Weather Alert Team to declare both Friday and Saturday as Weather Alert Days due to the severe cold conditions.
The most intense cold will hit late Friday night, resulting in air temperatures plummeting to between -10 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit along and east of US-131 by Saturday morning. While areas closer to Lake Michigan may experience slightly milder temperatures ranging from 0 to -10 degrees, the overall conditions remain perilous. The forecast suggests that although the expected temperatures are slightly warmer than current record lows for January 24, they will still approach those extremes.
The National Weather Service has issued an “Extreme Cold Warning” for counties including Ottawa, Kent, and Ionia, warning that wind chills could reach as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. These severe conditions can cause frostbite on exposed skin within just 10 minutes. Other areas, such as Allegan, Barry, and Eaton counties, are under a Cold Weather Advisory with wind chills potentially dropping to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, where frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes.
Both the Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory are set to expire at 11 a.m. on Saturday. While a gradual warming trend is anticipated over the weekend, temperatures will still remain significantly below the average for this time of year into the middle of next week.
In addition to the extreme cold, the movement of cold air across Lake Michigan may lead to sporadic snow showers, although substantial snowfall is not expected. Residents are urged to stay informed and vigilant, relying on the News Channel 3 Weather Alert team for ongoing updates throughout this challenging winter weather period. As West Michigan braves the elements, it’s important for everyone to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm during these frigid conditions.