Detroit, MI – Hazardous marine conditions and a changing weather pattern are expected to impact Southeast Michigan beginning Tuesday, with strong winds today and rain followed by colder air later this week.
According to the National Weather Service office in Detroit/Pontiac, a gale warning is in effect for the northern two-thirds of Lake Huron from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. Sustained southwest to west winds of 29 to 32 knots, with gusts near 40 knots, are expected. Waves are forecast to build to 7 to 12 feet, with occasional waves up to 17 feet, creating dangerous conditions for mariners.
On land, Tuesday will be breezy but seasonable, with highs ranging from 32 to 34 degrees across Southeast Michigan. Winds will gradually ease by Wednesday, which is expected to be partly sunny with highs in the upper 30s to near 40 degrees.
Weather conditions deteriorate again on Thursday as a strong storm system moves into the Great Lakes region. Forecasters say widespread rain and gusty winds are likely, with daytime highs climbing into the low to mid-40s. Rain may briefly mix with or change to snow in some areas late Thursday night.
A key concern will be flash freezing. As colder air moves in Thursday night into Friday, any lingering moisture on roadways could rapidly freeze, creating hazardous travel conditions for the Friday morning commute.
The National Weather Service urges boaters to remain off Lake Huron during the gale warning and advises motorists to stay alert for rapidly changing conditions late this week.
