Lansing, MI – Michigan travelers heading out for Thanksgiving week should prepare for periods of snow, gusty winds, and colder temperatures beginning Wednesday, according to new national forecast maps from the Weather Prediction Center.
According to the WPC, a developing storm system will bring widespread rain along the East Coast Wednesday, while Michigan remains on the colder western edge of the system. This setup is expected to generate bands of lake-effect snow across the western and northern parts of the state, especially near Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Drivers on I-96, US-131, and I-75 may encounter reduced visibility and slick pavement Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27, 2025) will continue the trend of scattered snow showers, particularly in the Upper Peninsula and areas downwind of Lake Michigan. Temperatures are expected to remain in the low to mid-30s for much of the state, keeping conditions cold but manageable. West Michigan and the U.P. will have the highest chance of accumulating snow, while Metro Detroit may only see flurries or light mixed precipitation.
By Black Friday (November 28, 2025), colder air strengthens behind a passing cold front. Lake-effect snow will likely intensify again, with the heaviest bands forming in northwest Lower Michigan and the U.P. Shoppers heading out early may face icy spots on untreated roads, gusty winds, and wind chills dipping into the 20s.
Travelers across Michigan—especially those heading north—should monitor updated weather alerts and plan for extra drive time during peak holiday travel periods.
