Detroit, Michigan – A sharp blast of winter cold is setting the tone for the new year across southeast Michigan, with New Year’s Day bringing frigid temperatures, biting wind chills, and little relief through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service office in Detroit/Pontiac, afternoon highs Thursday will only reach the upper teens to lower 20s across much of the region, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Pontiac, and Flint. Northwest winds will make it feel significantly colder, with wind chills ranging from about 5 below zero to near 10 degrees above zero during the day. Skies remain partly cloudy, with a few flurries possible but no meaningful accumulation expected.
The cold intensifies after sunset. Overnight lows drop into the lower to middle teens, keeping wind chills in the single digits by early Friday morning. While roads are expected to stay mostly dry, officials caution that any untreated surfaces could become slick, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Cold air remains firmly in place through the weekend. Highs Friday are expected to range from the low 20s to upper 20s, with overnight lows again falling into the teens. Saturday and Sunday bring only slight moderation, with daytime temperatures topping out in the mid to upper 20s and nighttime lows holding in the lower to middle teens.
Emergency officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and ensure pets have adequate shelter. Homeowners are also advised to check heating systems and protect exposed pipes as the prolonged cold continues.
No major storms are expected in the short term, but the National Weather Service notes that flurries may continue at times with little warning. Cold weather advisories are not in effect, but additional alerts could be issued if wind chills trend lower.
The bottom line for southeast Michigan is a cold, wintry start to 2026, with below-normal temperatures remaining in control through the weekend.
