Gaylord, Michigan – After waking up to frost-covered lawns Sunday morning, Northern Michigan residents will pivot quickly into a fire danger zone by Monday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Hazardous Weather Outlook remains in effect across Northern Lower Michigan and parts of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. A recent Frost Advisory, which brought temperatures down to 32°F early Sunday, will give way to unseasonably warm, dry, and breezy conditions by Monday, raising the risk of wildfires across the region.
Counties under continued watch include Emmet, Otsego, Charlevoix, Alpena, and surrounding areas. Areas along U.S. Route 131, especially near Gaylord and south into Cadillac, may see elevated fire danger by Monday afternoon as humidity levels drop and highs climb into the low 80s.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning and properly extinguish cigarettes and campfires. With no rainfall expected through at least Thursday, dry grass and brush could ignite easily. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recommends delaying any brush cleanup or debris burning until conditions improve.
Looking ahead, the extended forecast calls for mostly sunny skies Monday and Tuesday, with highs near 82°F and 78°F respectively. A slight chance of showers reenters the picture Tuesday night and becomes more likely Wednesday night into Thursday, offering some hope for moisture relief.
5-Day Outlook for Gaylord:
- Monday: Sunny, high of 82°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, slight shower chance, high 78°F
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, 30% chance of showers, high 74°F
- Thursday: Thunderstorms possible late, high near 78°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 71°F
