Michigan — Exhaust hangs in the air before sunrise, and boots crunch over frozen pavement across metro Detroit. The cold bites hard this morning, with temperatures near 18 degrees and wind chills closer to single digits. Winter feels locked in, and it is not done yet.
Skies stay mostly cloudy today, though a few breaks appear by afternoon. Even with some sun, highs struggle into the low 20s. Roads remain dry for now, but the cold keeps surfaces brittle and slick in shaded areas. Drivers should watch ramps and bridges along I-75, I-94, and I-96.
Changes arrive Thursday. Snow chances increase during the afternoon as a system moves in. Light snow develops, then becomes more widespread Thursday night. Accumulations remain modest, generally under an inch at first, but enough to coat roads and sidewalks. Visibility drops at times, especially during the evening drive.
Friday brings the main impact. Snow becomes more likely, with chances near 80 percent and highs reaching the mid-30s. Wet snow may briefly melt during the day, then refreeze after sunset. Flash freezing becomes a concern as temperatures tumble Friday night. Travel could deteriorate quickly once darkness falls.
Friday night lows dip near 4 degrees, and wind chills fall well below zero. Frostbite risk rises with prolonged exposure. Keep skin covered and limit time outdoors. Saturday stays mostly sunny but brutally cold, with highs near 16. Any leftover snow hardens into ice.
The weekend slowly eases. Saturday night brings another chance of light snow, then Sunday trends calmer with highs in the low 20s. Early next week shows gradual improvement. Highs climb into the upper 20s Monday and low 30s Tuesday.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook hints at a warming trend late next week, offering some relief. For now, plan extra travel time, dress in layers, and stay alert as snow returns. How cold did it feel where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Detroit, MI
- Today: Mostly cloudy, very cold, high near 23
- Thursday: Chance of snow, high near 24
- Friday: Snow likely, high near 35
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, bitter cold, high near 16
- Sunday: Partly sunny, cold, high near 22
