GAYLORD, Mich. – Fall’s grip is tightening across northern Michigan, and for the first time this season, the air holds a wintry edge. Rain is expected to return later today and continue into Friday, and while accumulations remain light, a few higher-elevation areas near Gaylord could see the season’s first flakes mix in before the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, scattered showers will develop this afternoon and become more widespread Thursday. Temperatures will hover near 50°F before tumbling into the mid-30s Thursday night, with brisk northwest winds funneling colder air across the region. By early Friday, any lingering showers over Otsego and Montmorency Counties could briefly mix with sleet or wet snow — an early sign that winter isn’t far away.
Residents should prepare for slick, wet pavement during commutes along U.S. 131 and M-32, especially where leaf-covered roads reduce traction. Wind gusts near 20 mph may also make for raw outdoor conditions through Thursday evening.
By Friday afternoon, clouds will begin to break as cooler, drier air settles in. The weekend looks calmer, with Saturday bringing partial sunshine and highs near 50°F — a perfect setup for late-season yardwork or Halloween decorating. Sunday warms slightly, offering a short-lived reprieve before another cool front looms early next week.
To be fair, this isn’t the full return of winter yet — but it’s close. Models hint at more cold, unsettled air behind this front, and across northern Michigan, talk has already turned from frost to flurries. After all, once Gaylord sees its first mix, true snow isn’t far behind.
Five-Day Forecast for Gaylord, MI:
Wed: 50/36 – Scattered showers developing; breezy.
Thu: 45/34 – Rain likely; colder air builds late.
Fri: 45/32 – Showers early; chance of flakes north.
Sat: 50/34 – Partly sunny; crisp and calm.
Sun: 54/36 – Mostly sunny; seasonable fall air.
