GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Low clouds and mist hung over western Michigan early Friday, softening city lights and dampening pavement from Holland to Kentwood. A light drizzle and foggy start will give way to dry skies later in the day, kicking off a much brighter weekend before another shift to rain — and a few snow hints — early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, areas of fog and drizzle will fade by late morning as west winds bring gradual clearing. Sunshine and calmer conditions take hold Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the mid-40s to near 50°F — ideal for outdoor chores or early Thanksgiving travel.
The next system arrives Monday evening as a warm front lifts across Lake Michigan, bringing rain chances up to 0.25–0.5 inches through Tuesday morning. Temperatures will remain mild to start the week, but colder air pushing in behind the front could flip some rain to snow showers by Wednesday.
Those traveling early for Thanksgiving should plan for wet conditions Monday night into Tuesday, especially along I-96 and U.S. 131. Roads may turn slick as temperatures drop midweek.
Nationally, forecasters continue to watch a heavy snow setup forming across the northern Plains and Great Lakes between November 25 and December 3. Early outlooks suggest 3–8 inches possible in parts of Wisconsin and northern Michigan, while below-normal temperatures could sweep east just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Rapids, MI:
Fri: 44/27 – Morning fog, drizzle; gradual clearing later.
Sat: 45/36 – Mostly sunny; calm and mild.
Sun: 51/34 – Sunny, light breeze; ideal travel day.
Mon: 54/44 – Partly sunny; rain developing late.
Tue: 53/36 – Rain, up to 0.5″; colder air late.
