MARQUETTE, MI — Gray clouds churn over Lake Superior this morning as Upper Michigan braces for the first true taste of winter’s grip. The National Weather Service in Marquette warns that moderate lake-effect snow will develop later today and intensify through this evening, especially along the Keweenaw Peninsula and the Lake Superior shoreline.
Accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are likely, with locally higher totals in persistent snow bands west of Marquette and north toward Houghton. Gusty southwest winds up to 20 mph could reduce visibility along exposed stretches of U.S. 41, M-28, and County Road 550, making travel slick and slow after sunset.
By Tuesday morning, roads may be coated in fresh, powdery snow, while temperatures remain in the mid-20s — perfect conditions for black ice to form on bridges and untreated surfaces. Drivers should plan for reduced traction, especially near the lake and in open, wind-exposed areas.
After this short burst, skies clear briefly on Tuesday before another round of snow showers returns Wednesday. A deeper chill follows late week, with wind chills dipping below zero Thursday morning — a sharp reminder that early December in the U.P. means winter is here to stay.
5-Day Outlook (Marquette, MI):
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 24°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 26°F, low 19°F.
- Wednesday: Snow showers, high 28°F, low 8°F.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high 18°F, low 11°F.
- Friday: Snow chance, high 26°F.
