GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A calm, mild start blankets West Michigan this morning, but a swift change looms on the horizon. The region’s brief stretch of quiet weather will soon give way to rain, gusty winds, and possibly the first flakes of the season before the weekend is done.
Today stays mostly dry and partly sunny, with temperatures hovering in the low 50s. Winds will remain steady from the southwest, gusting at times near 25 mph. Conditions hold fairly mild through Wednesday night, but clouds will thicken Thursday as a stronger fall system moves in from the Plains.
Rain develops Thursday afternoon and continues into the night, accompanied by gusts up to 30 mph along the lakeshore and near I-96. Friday will stay unsettled with scattered showers and a high near 57°F before a dramatic drop in temperature sweeps across Michigan late in the day.
By Saturday, colder air from the northwest will meet lingering moisture, creating a mix of rain and wet snow — especially across Ottawa, Kent, and Muskegon counties. Areas near the lakeshore could see their first measurable flakes of November, though accumulation should remain light.
Sunday stays brisk and cloudy, with highs near 39°F and a lingering chance of snow showers. The cold air deepens next week, signaling a likely winter pattern shift just ahead of Veterans Day.
Residents planning weekend travel should expect slippery roads Saturday morning and reduced visibility during heavier bursts of lake-effect snow. After all, it’s that time of year again — when the Great Lakes start to breathe winter’s chill back into Michigan.
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Rapids, MI:
Wed: 54/39 – Partly cloudy; breezy west wind.
Thu: 52/42 – Rain develops; gusts up to 30 mph.
Fri: 57/35 – Showers; cooler late.
Sat: 46/30 – Rain/snow mix; windy and colder.
Sun: 39/26 – Cloudy; chance snow showers.
