Michigan starts the morning with cold pavement, faint starlight, and breath turning visible in the air. What begins quietly will evolve into a classic early-winter setup, with rain, snow chances, and a sharp temperature drop creating travel concerns by the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service, Grand Rapids begins the day near 38 degrees with fair skies and light wind. Conditions stay manageable through midday, but clouds thicken later as moisture approaches. By late today, a chance of rain or snow develops, especially during the evening hours, leaving roads damp and potentially slick.
Precipitation becomes more widespread Thursday. Periods of rain are expected early, then a rain-to-snow changeover develops as colder air deepens. Winds strengthen, occasionally gusty, reducing visibility during heavier showers. Drivers should expect slower travel on I-96, US-131, and neighborhood roads during peak travel periods.
By Thursday night into Friday, winter tightens its grip. Temperatures fall into the low 20s, and snow showers remain possible. Accumulations look light for now, but any snow combined with falling temperatures raises the risk of black ice. Wet pavement can freeze quickly, especially on bridges, ramps, and untreated surfaces.
Friday stays cold and gray, with highs near 25 degrees and lingering snow showers possible. Winds add a biting feel, and early travel may remain hazardous. This system is part of a broader Midwest winter pattern, with heavier snow expected closer to Lake Michigan and farther south near the Wisconsin–Illinois border.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel, Saturday moderates slightly, though clouds and another rain-or-snow chance return. Sunday turns colder again but quieter, signaling a steady winter pattern settling in.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Rapids
- Today: Partly sunny, late rain/snow chance, high near 35
- Thursday: Rain changing to snow, breezy, high near 44
- Friday: Snow showers possible, colder, high near 25
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, slight mix chance, high near 38
- Sunday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 27
