Michigan wakes to a sharp, biting chill along Lake Superior as winter tightens its grip on the Upper Peninsula.
Temperatures hover near 23 degrees in Marquette early this morning, with overcast skies and a light northwest breeze. Visibility remains good for now, but snow showers are already lining up in the broader pattern.
Today stays mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers. Highs reach the lower 30s, cold enough to keep pavement stiff and shaded areas slick. Winds increase through the day, occasionally gusting near 20 mph, adding an extra edge to the cold.
Christmas Day brings little relief. Skies remain gray, highs top out near 25 degrees, and light snow showers remain possible. Accumulations stay minimal during the day, but conditions feel raw, especially for anyone traveling early or late.
The pattern turns more active Thursday night. Snow showers become more widespread, and confidence increases heading into Friday. By Friday, snow showers are likely, with up to one inch of new snow possible. Gusty winds near 25 mph could reduce visibility at times, especially on open stretches of U.S. 41 and rural roads.
Plan extra time Friday if traveling. Even light snow can create slippery conditions quickly in this cold.
Friday night remains mostly cloudy, with lingering slick spots as temperatures fall back into the upper 20s. Refreezing is likely where snow melts during the day.
Saturday offers a brief lull but not a clean break. Skies stay mostly cloudy, highs climb to the upper 30s, and another round of showers develops later. Rain may mix in at times, but falling temperatures Saturday night raise renewed concerns for icy patches during post-Christmas travel.
Sunday trends colder again, with snow showers returning and winter staying firmly in charge as December winds down.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring repeated snow chances rather than a single storm. Small amounts, added up, can still cause big travel headaches.
