Michigan – The new year opens with biting cold across Southeast Michigan, where exhaust hangs in the air and sidewalks crunch under frozen grit. Temperatures struggle to rise today, keeping winter firmly in control as 2026 begins.
According to the National Weather Service, Detroit starts the morning near 13 degrees under mostly clear skies. Wind chills dip into the single digits at times. Afternoon temperatures climb only to the low 20s, with clouds increasing later in the day. A few flurries or light snow showers may develop late, though little accumulation is expected.
Cold conditions continue tonight, with lows near 18 and a continued chance for flurries. Even light snow can create slick spots, especially on bridges, ramps, and untreated side streets. Drivers along I-75, I-94, and the Lodge Freeway should stay alert for patches of black ice.
Friday offers little relief. Skies turn partly sunny, but highs reach only the mid-20s. Winds remain light, yet the cold air keeps pavement frozen through the day. Any melting during brief sun breaks may refreeze quickly after sunset.
The weekend stays cold and mostly cloudy. Saturday tops out near the upper 20s, while Saturday night drops back into the teens. Sunday brings a bit more sunshine, with highs near 28, but temperatures remain well below normal for early January.
Looking ahead, early next week shows a gradual warming trend. Highs climb into the 30s by Monday, with another chance of light snow late Sunday night or Monday. No major storm signals yet, but winter travel impacts remain possible.
For now, bundle up and allow extra time on the roads. Cold metal, frozen pavement, and spotty flurries can turn routine trips tricky. Heading out today or this weekend? Tell us how conditions look where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Detroit, MI
- New Year’s Day: Mostly sunny, very cold; high near 23°F
- Friday: Partly sunny; high near 26°F
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy; high near 27°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny; high near 28°F
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, slight snow chance; high near 34°F
