Snowflakes spiral through calm night air across northern Michigan, catching headlights like glitter over a frozen landscape. The thermometer reads just 9°F in Gaylord this morning, and while winds stay light, the cold bites deep — the kind that clings to scarves and stings cheeks before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, localized snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible through tonight, especially near Whitefish Point and the eastern Upper Peninsula. Roads across northern lower Michigan, including US-131 and M-32, could turn slick as persistent lake-effect snow bands develop through Monday and intensify Monday night into Tuesday.
Snow will ease briefly Monday afternoon under partly sunny skies, but don’t let that lull you. A stronger disturbance arrives late Monday night, bringing another round of heavier snow — potentially several inches — across northwest lower Michigan and the eastern U.P. Gusty southwest winds will create drifting snow in open areas, particularly near Gaylord, Petoskey, and Grayling.
Travelers should plan for low visibility and slippery conditions, especially during early Tuesday commutes and evening returns. Keep snowbrushes handy and allow extra time on rural routes. Daytime highs will struggle to reach the lower 20s, while wind chills near zero will make any outdoor work or errands brisk and uncomfortable.
The pattern stays active into December 11–17, with meteorologists tracking another potential Great Lakes clipper that could reinforce cold, snowy conditions — just as early holiday travel ramps up.
Five-Day Outlook
Today: Snow likely, high 21°F.
Monday: Partly sunny, high 21°F.
Tuesday: Snow likely, high 29°F.
Wednesday: Snow showers, high 28°F.
Thursday: Scattered snow, high 21°F.
