Grand Rapids, MI – A cold and windy pattern developing after Thanksgiving could trigger lake effect snow across western Michigan, northern Indiana, and northern Ohio, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say the NOAA Climate Prediction Center has issued a slight risk of heavy snow for the Great Lakes snowbelt region between Sunday, Nov. 30 and Wednesday, Dec. 3, impacting areas near Lake Michigan and Lake Erie.
A strong northwest wind pattern will funnel cold air over the lakes, producing bands of heavy snow and potentially hazardous travel for communities including South Bend, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Toledo. Early projections indicate the highest snow potential west of I-69 and along I-94, where localized squalls could quickly reduce visibility.
“A windy and cold pattern after Thanksgiving could lead to heavy lake effect snow downwind of the Great Lakes,” the NWS said. “Snow may linger through midweek as temperatures stay below normal.”
Residents should prepare for slick roads, reduced visibility, and travel delays early next week as the lake effect pattern sets in.
