Detroit, Michigan – Life-threatening cold is settling into southeast Michigan, with dangerously low wind chills creating a serious frostbite risk for anyone exposed outdoors Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect across southeast Michigan from early Friday through Saturday morning. Wind chills are expected to drop between 15 and 25 below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, with the coldest conditions occurring between pre-dawn hours and mid-morning Friday.
The highest risk includes Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, Pontiac, Warren, Monroe, Port Huron, and surrounding communities across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Genesee, and St. Clair counties. Even brief outdoor exposure without proper winter protection could become dangerous for commuters, students waiting at bus stops, and anyone working outside.
Officials warn that prolonged exposure increases the risk of hypothermia in addition to frostbite. Vehicle batteries may fail in the extreme cold, and unprotected pipes are at risk of freezing as wind chills remain well below zero through much of the day Friday.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, wear multiple layers including hats, gloves, and face coverings, and keep pets indoors. Neighbors are encouraged to check on elderly residents and anyone without reliable heat.
The Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect into Saturday morning, and additional alerts may be issued if the Arctic air mass lingers across southeast Michigan longer than expected.
