Grand Rapids, MI – A thick gray ceiling hangs over the city this morning as West Michigan braces for another round of lake-effect snow and plunging temperatures heading into the weekend. After a brief calm today, the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids says snow showers will return by Friday evening, continuing into Saturday with locally heavier bursts near the lakeshore.
Forecasters expect a 30% chance of snow showers Friday, ramping up to 90% by Friday night, with accumulations around 1 to 3 inches likely in Grand Rapids and higher amounts west toward Holland and Muskegon. Gusty winds up to 20 mph will add a biting chill, dropping wind chills into the single digits at times.
Drivers traveling along I-96, US-131, and M-6 should plan for slippery roads and patchy whiteout conditions through Saturday morning. “Even minor snow can reduce visibility quickly near the lake,” meteorologists cautioned, urging commuters to slow down and leave extra distance between vehicles.
Saturday will remain blustery and cold, with highs struggling to reach 17°F and another chance for snow Saturday night. By Sunday morning, lows could dip near 6°F, marking the coldest start to December so far.
Five-Day Outlook:
- Friday: Partly sunny early, snow likely by evening, high 29°F, low 14°F.
- Saturday: Snow showers, high 17°F, low 6°F.
- Sunday: Cold and mostly cloudy, high 23°F, low 8°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 24°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 32°F.
