Michigan’s north woods are waking up to a sharp 21-degree chill in Gaylord, but a February thaw is already underway. Light winds and clear skies have kept roads quiet early, yet changes are building fast.
Highs climb to 39 degrees today with a slight chance of rain and snow showers around midday. Patchy freezing fog may develop late morning. Watch for slick spots on shaded stretches of M-32 and I-75 where surfaces remain below freezing.
Milder air continues Monday with highs near 44 degrees. That gradual thaw raises a different concern. Snowmelt could trigger ice jams on area rivers across Otsego County and parts of northern Lower Michigan. Localized flooding is possible where ice shifts and water backs up. If you live near a river, monitor water levels closely.
Tuesday turns mostly sunny with highs near 40. Conditions deteriorate Tuesday night. A 90 percent chance of precipitation moves in, starting as rain and snow showers, then transitioning to a wintry mix and even freezing rain after midnight. Lows fall to 28 degrees, increasing the risk for icy roads by early Wednesday.
Wednesday remains unsettled with an 80 percent chance of precipitation and highs near 37. Rain may mix with snow before colder air filters in Wednesday night. Snow showers linger into Thursday with highs in the mid-30s.
This is prime flash-freeze season in northern Michigan. Wet pavement from rain or melting snow can refreeze quickly after sunset.
Looking ahead to the 6–10 day outlook, milder-than-normal temperatures expand across much of the central U.S., though northern Michigan stays active with periodic precipitation.
Five Day Outlook for Gaylord, Michigan:
Today: High 39°, slight rain/snow chance.
Monday: High 44°, slight rain/snow chance.
Tuesday: High 40°, mostly sunny.
Wednesday: High 37°, wintry mix likely.
Thursday: High 35°, chance of snow showers.
