Michigan wakes to a biting chill this February morning, with hard pavement cold enough to glaze fast.
Light freezing rain is now possible later today into early Tuesday near US-10, raising early travel concerns across parts of southwest Lower Michigan.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, light ice accumulation may develop as temperatures hover near the upper 20s. Impacts should stay limited, but untreated roads, bridges, and ramps could turn slick quickly. Drivers heading out early should slow down and allow extra stopping distance.
Cold air remains firmly in place through midweek. Highs struggle near 29 degrees today, then rebound briefly into the upper 30s by Tuesday before falling back toward 30 degrees Wednesday. Northwest winds add a sharp edge, especially during the morning commute.
Meteorologists are now tracking a clipper system moving across the Upper Great Lakes midweek. While widespread snow is not expected immediately, light snow chances increase late Saturday into Sunday. Accumulations remain uncertain, but timing aligns with weekend travel plans.
For now, skies stay mostly cloudy with limited precipitation through Thursday. That quiet stretch could be deceptive. With daytime melting and refreezing at night, flash-freeze conditions may redevelop each evening. Wet pavement after sunset can refreeze quickly, creating surprise slick spots.
Looking beyond midweek, a broader pattern shift emerges. Temperatures trend upward late this week into early next week, hinting at a gradual February thaw. Even so, snow chances linger, and winter is far from finished across West Michigan.
Regionally, much of the Great Lakes remains deeply frozen. A slow thaw may influence lake-effect patterns later this month, increasing volatility in late-winter weather setups.
Five-Day Outlook – Grand Rapids, MI
- Today: Partly sunny, high near 29°F
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 38°F
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 30°F
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high near 31°F
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 34°F
