Michigan starts the day wrapped in fog and mist, with headlights glowing through a thin glaze of ice on back roads. Freezing drizzle lingers across northern Lower Michigan, making sidewalks slick and travel slow around Gaylord and surrounding inland areas.
This Winter Weather Alert focuses on early-morning impacts first. Patchy freezing drizzle creates a light ice glaze, especially on untreated roads, driveways, and bridges. Drivers should slow down and expect slick spots along US-27, M-32, and secondary roads. Even small amounts of ice can lead to sudden loss of traction.
Temperatures remain near the upper teens this morning, limiting improvement. Conditions gradually stabilize later today as temperatures rise into the low 30s. Some melting may occur, but wet pavement remains widespread.
The bigger concern develops Thursday night. Meteorologists are tracking a strong signal for a flash freeze as temperatures drop sharply after rain and mixed precipitation. Rain and rain/snow showers are expected Thursday, followed by rapidly falling temperatures. Wet roads may freeze solid in a short time window, creating black ice late Thursday night into Friday.
Snow showers follow the freeze, compounding travel hazards. Gusty winds may also reduce visibility at times, especially in open and rural areas. The National Weather Service warns this setup could lead to hazardous driving conditions across much of northern Michigan.
Friday stays cold with lingering snow showers and highs near the upper teens. Roads may remain icy through much of the day. Crews may struggle to keep pace if ice develops beneath fresh snow.
The weekend preview keeps winter in place. Saturday brings continued snow chances with highs near freezing. Sunday stays cold but quieter, offering limited recovery before more snow chances early next week.
This is a classic December Winter transition, where timing matters. Avoid late-night travel Thursday if possible. Keep emergency supplies in vehicles and allow extra time.
5-Day Outlook for Gaylord, MI
- Wednesday: Slight snow chance, high 32
- Thursday: Rain/snow showers, high 39
- Friday: Snow showers, flash freeze risk, high 18
- Saturday: Snow showers, high 31
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high 22
