Michigan — Breath turns visible instantly this morning as engines strain and metal stings bare hands. Side streets creak under tires. The cold is already dangerous, and it will not ease quickly.
Temperatures near Detroit hover around 4°F early, with wind chills plunging well below zero. Even light winds sharpen the cold. Frostbite risk increases with prolonged exposure. Drivers should allow extra warm-up time and expect stiff batteries across the metro.
Light snow showers are possible later today into the afternoon. Accumulations look minor, but impact will not be. Pavement temperatures remain bitterly cold, allowing any snow to stick immediately. Slushy patches may refreeze quickly after sunset, creating flash-freeze conditions on untreated roads, ramps, and bridges. I-75, I-94, and surface streets could turn slick fast.
Cold dominates Thursday and Friday. Highs struggle in the lower teens, with overnight lows dipping below zero in spots. Sunshine helps little. Meteorologists note the Great Lakes are nearly 50% frozen, reducing lake-effect intensity but locking cold air in place. That means less moderation and longer-lasting icy conditions for southeast Michigan.
By Saturday, skies stay partly sunny, but temperatures remain stuck in the teens. Snow chances stay limited for now, though even flurries could disrupt travel given frozen ground. Plan errands for daylight hours when possible. Keep emergency kits in vehicles. Check on neighbors who may need help staying warm.
Looking ahead into early February, longer-range outlooks suggest temperatures slowly rebound next week. Precipitation chances drop, but cold mornings persist before gradual improvement.
Five-Day Outlook for Detroit, MI
Today: Chance of snow showers, high near 15
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low near 2
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 15
Friday: Sunny, high near 11
Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 17
