A significant winter weather event is set to impact Michigan from Sunday evening into Monday morning, as a large snow band is expected to deliver heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions across much of the state. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for more than half of Michigan, with some regions bracing for snowfall amounts between 6 and 8 inches.
The heaviest snow is anticipated in the Tip of the Mitt, particularly from Petoskey to St. Ignace, as well as along the southern shoreline of the Upper Peninsula. Areas further north and much of Northern Michigan are predicted to receive 2 to 5 inches of snow. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Gaylord cautioned about a “burst of snow, heavy at times,” that could create dangerous driving conditions, especially during the Monday morning commute.
In more southern areas like Cadillac, Clare, and the tip of the Thumb region, forecasts suggest 2 to 4 inches of snow, while nearby Big Rapids may see only 1 to 2 inches. By the time one reaches Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Detroit, snow accumulations are expected to taper off, with amounts ranging from an inch to just a trace.
The snow is projected to begin accumulating after 7 p.m. Sunday, with rates potentially reaching one inch per hour in some locations. Besides snow, certain areas may experience a mixture of freezing drizzle or sleet, leading to potentially icy conditions. The NWS warns that visibility may drop to a quarter mile during periods of heavy snowfall, which will likely make travel hazardous.
As the weather system moves in from the west, temperatures are expected to rise following this event. A warming trend will begin on Monday, with high temperatures projected to exceed freezing, marking the first time in several days that temperatures will rise above the frost line. The week ahead holds additional precipitation chances, particularly rain from Tuesday through Friday, although the transition may include some snow or freezing drizzle on Tuesday morning.
Residents are advised to take precautions while traveling and to allow extra time for their commutes, especially on Monday morning when conditions may still be slick. The anticipated warm-up following the snowfall could lead to improved road conditions as Michigan heads deeper into the week.