Detroit, MI – Michigan will be one of the coldest locations in the Great Lakes region as an Arctic Blast pushes south from Canada between Monday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 5, delivering a Cold December setup with snow showers, lake-effect bands, and widespread subzero wind chill risks.
According to the National Weather Service, early-week systems will help initiate light snow and flurries across southeastern Michigan, while western and northern parts of the state will experience stronger lake-effect snow beginning Monday night. Although snowfall totals vary by region, forecasters expect travel disruptions at times due to reduced visibility and icy roads, especially west of US-131 and along the Lake Superior shoreline.
Temperatures will fall into the single digits at night across much of the state, with subzero readings possible in northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Wind chills may drop well below zero, especially during the overnight and early-morning hours Tuesday through Thursday.
NOAA’s 6–10 Day Temperature Outlook places Michigan in a deep below-normal temperature zone for Dec. 1–5, reflecting one of the strongest cold anomalies in the Midwest. Persistent Arctic flow will support repeated snow shower chances, particularly downwind of Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron.
While no major statewide winter storm is projected at this time, forecasters warn that the combination of lake-effect snow, dangerous wind chills, and slick roads may create travel challenges throughout the week.
Residents should prepare for bitter cold, patchy snow, and subzero wind chills, especially in northern and western counties.
