Detroit, Michigan – A powerful Arctic air mass is expected to settle across the Great Lakes beginning Thursday, bringing a prolonged stretch of dangerous cold, subzero wind chills, and periods of snow through the following Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the Great Lakes region is favored to experience well below-normal temperatures during the Jan. 15–21 period as Arctic air pours south from Canada and becomes locked in place. While overall precipitation is expected to remain near seasonal averages, the intensity of the cold will allow snow and ice to persist, increasing travel and safety concerns.
States most impacted include Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Northern sections of the region face the greatest risk for prolonged subzero wind chills, especially overnight and during early morning hours. Areas near Lake Superior and northern Lake Michigan may experience frequent lake-effect snow, reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel on major routes such as I-41, U.S. 2, and M-28.
Farther south, cities including Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Toledo are expected to see temperatures remain well below seasonal norms. Even light snow could lead to slick conditions on Interstates 90, 94, 75, and 80 as repeated overnight freezing limits melting. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads will be especially vulnerable to black ice.
The prolonged cold could strain heating systems and raise the risk of frozen pipes across the region. Power demand may increase during the coldest nights, particularly if wind chills drop to dangerous levels.
Residents across the Great Lakes are urged to prepare by checking furnaces, insulating exposed plumbing, and keeping winter emergency kits in vehicles. Limiting outdoor exposure during late-night and early-morning hours will be critical, especially for outdoor workers and vulnerable populations.
Cold-related advisories and lake-effect snow alerts may be issued as confidence increases. Additional updates are expected as the Arctic pattern becomes firmly established across the Great Lakes next week.
