Michigan's Icy Holiday Surprise: What to Expect

After a calm Christmas Day, Michigan is in for a wild weather weekend.

Thursday Night to Friday: Messy Mix Ahead

Starting Thursday night, a mix of snow, freezing rain, and sleet will hit most of the state. This messy weather will stick around through Friday, making travel tricky.

Ice and Snow Warnings

The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of potential ice buildup, especially in the southwest and southeast. Up to a quarter-inch of ice could form by Saturday morning. That's enough to make roads slippery and cause power outages.

• Thumb and Saginaw Valley areas: 0.5 to 2 inches of snow, with more the further north you go.

Temperature Outlook

Temperatures will be chilly but not extreme:

• Lower Peninsula:
• Highs: 30s and 40s
• Lows: 20s and 30s
• Upper Peninsula:
• Highs: 20s and 30s
• Lows: Teens to 20s

City-Specific Forecasts

Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids

• Christmas Day: Partly sunny and dry.
• Overnight: Freezing rain and snow move in.
• Friday: Starts with freezing rain, switches to regular rain by afternoon.
• Expect:
• Around a tenth of an inch of ice
• Less than half an inch of snow

Southwest Michigan (Coldwater, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph)

• Christmas Day: Dry.
• Overnight: Freezing rain moves in.
• Friday: Rain or freezing rain, turning to all rain by afternoon.
• Temperatures: 30s and 40s.

Northern Michigan (Gaylord, Traverse City, Alpena)

• Christmas Day: Cloudy with light snow.
• Overnight: Snow mixes with freezing rain.
• Friday: More snow and freezing rain.
• Highs: 20s and 30s.

Upper Peninsula (Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, Ironwood)

• Christmas Day: Snow.
• Overnight: More snow.
• Friday: More snow.
• Highs: 20s and 30s.
• Expect: Around an inch of snow in some areas.