Michigan – Wind scrapes across bare pavement, and breath turns visible almost instantly across southeast Michigan. The cold already bites hard this morning, but Winter Weather is only beginning to unfold as Arctic air deepens and snow signals increase heading into the weekend and early next week.
A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect across southeast Michigan, including the Detroit metro, as wind chills plunge well below zero. According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, exposed skin may experience frostbite in as little as 30 minutes during the coldest periods.
Today’s temperatures struggle to recover, with highs remaining in the teens and single digits feeling common due to wind. Gusts funnel cold air across open areas, making even short trips outside uncomfortable. Drivers may notice patchy slick spots where light snow showers briefly coat untreated roads.
By Friday night into Saturday morning, wind chills remain below zero, even as skies partially clear. Saturday stays cold and quiet overall, but it acts as a pause before the next system arrives. Meteorologists are now tracking a developing winter storm expected to move through the Ohio Valley and into southern Michigan by Sunday.
Snow becomes more likely Sunday, with widespread accumulating snowfall possible across Metro Detroit and surrounding communities. Several inches of snow cannot be ruled out, especially south of Detroit, where confidence is highest. Roads could deteriorate quickly, especially on I-75, I-94, and I-96, as snowfall rates increase.
As snow tapers Sunday night into early Monday, colder air settles back in. Any melting during the day may refreeze quickly after sunset, raising the risk for flash freezing and slick morning commutes.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook favors below-normal temperatures across the Great Lakes, with additional precipitation chances late next week.
Heading out this weekend? Let us know how cold it feels where you are.
Five Day Outlook for Detroit, MI
- Friday: Very cold. High near 7°F
- Saturday: Cold and mostly cloudy. High near 9°F
- Sunday: Snow likely. High near 17°F
- Monday: Chance of snow early, then cold. High near 17°F
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and cold. High near 20°F
