Marquette, MI – Travel conditions across Upper Michigan are expected to remain mostly smooth through Christmas Day before deteriorating late Christmas night into Friday as a winter system moves through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a developing system will bring a round of snow and possibly freezing rain beginning Christmas night and continuing into Friday. While today and Christmas Day are expected to be largely snow-free for most travelers, conditions will change quickly overnight.
Forecasters say the highest snowfall totals are expected across the northern half of the Upper Peninsula. Snowfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the Keweenaw Peninsula, with 1 to 2 inches expected farther north and lighter totals moving southward across the region.
Snow is expected to spread across the U.P. Christmas night, potentially resulting in hazardous road conditions overnight and during the Friday morning commute. Snow may continue Friday but is expected to gradually lighten from west to east as the system exits.
While freezing rain is not expected to be widespread, forecasters note it remains a possibility in some areas, which could further increase travel hazards, especially on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses.
The National Weather Service categorizes travel impacts as low through Christmas Day, increasing to moderate or high by Friday depending on location and snowfall intensity.
This forecast is especially relevant for holiday travelers, commuters, and delivery drivers planning trips late Christmas night or on Friday.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecast updates and road conditions as timing and snowfall amounts may change.
