Detroit, MI – The stillness of early December in southeast Michigan won’t last long. Cold air clings to the region this morning with temperatures near 16°F, but a fast-moving winter system is on the way — bringing snow, a rain/snow mix, and slick travel conditions by Tuesday night into Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, clouds will thicken Tuesday as light snow develops late in the day, turning heavier after sunset. A rain/snow mix is expected overnight as temperatures rise toward the mid-30s, with new snow accumulations up to one-half inch possible across the metro area. Winds may gust to 30 mph, reducing visibility on I-75, I-94, and I-96 during the evening commute.
By Wednesday, expect a milder but wet day — highs near 39°F with lingering rain changing back to snow late. The quick warm-up and refreeze cycle could create patchy ice on untreated roads, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
Looking ahead, Thursday brings a brief break under partly sunny skies before another chance of snow Friday night ushers in a colder, drier weekend. Highs drop back into the mid-20s to low-30s, reminding residents that the Great Lakes storm train is just getting started this December.
Meteorologists say long-range models hint at additional clipper systems between Dec. 11–17, keeping lake-effect snow active from Michigan to Wisconsin and into northern Ohio.
Five-Day Outlook (Detroit, MI):
- Tuesday: Snow likely late, high 36°F.
- Wednesday: Rain/snow mix, high 39°F.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high 28°F.
- Friday: Chance of snow, high 26°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 23°F.
