Michigan weather starts the morning on edge, with mist clinging to headlights and pavement turning slick across West Michigan. Temperatures hover near freezing, and even light precipitation is enough to create trouble during the early commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, freezing rain is expected this morning north of I-96, with slippery travel conditions developing across central Lower Michigan. A light glaze of ice is possible, especially east of U.S. 131 toward Howard City, Alma, and surrounding rural roads.
In Grand Rapids, fog and mist reduce visibility while surface temperatures sit near 31 degrees. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated neighborhood streets can ice quickly. Drivers along I-96, U.S. 131, and M-6 should expect slower travel and allow extra stopping distance. School traffic adds another layer of risk as winter conditions linger into the morning hours.
Conditions gradually improve later today as temperatures climb into the mid-30s. Precipitation transitions to plain rain, helping ease icing concerns by afternoon. Wednesday offers a brief reset, with patchy fog early and highs near 38 under mostly cloudy skies.
Attention then turns to the next system. Showers return Thursday and continue into Thursday night, keeping roads wet. By Friday night and Saturday, colder air filters back in. Rain may mix with snow, with snow showers becoming more likely Saturday afternoon into Saturday night. Minor accumulations are possible, especially north and west of the city.
This pattern reinforces that winter remains firmly in control during the first full week of January 2026. With repeated wet-to-cold transitions, flash freezing stays a concern after sunset.
Seeing icy spots or slow traffic this morning? Share what conditions look like where you’re traveling around Grand Rapids.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Today: Freezing rain early, then rain and fog, high near 35°
- Wednesday: Patchy fog early, mostly cloudy, high near 38°
- Thursday: Showers likely, milder, high near 47°
- Friday: Chance of showers, cooler, high near 44°
- Saturday: Rain changing to snow showers, colder, high near 38°
