Michigan wakes up under a low gray ceiling as winter tightens its grip. Temperatures sit near 20 degrees across Detroit, with wind chills making the air feel sharper. Pavement stays dry early, but the cold lingers in every breath.
Sunshine is limited today, though temperatures recover slightly. Highs reach the low 30s, keeping untreated sidewalks icy in spots. Drivers should remain cautious on bridges and ramps, especially before midmorning.
A noticeable change builds Wednesday. Clouds thin and temperatures rise into the upper 30s to near 40, offering a brief December thaw. To be fair, this warmth sets up the next concern. Moisture increases late Wednesday as a stronger system approaches from the west.
Thursday, December 18th, brings the most impactful weather of the week. Rain spreads into southeast Michigan during the day, becoming steady by afternoon. Roads turn wet quickly across Detroit and surrounding suburbs, slowing commutes and increasing splashback visibility issues.
Conditions deteriorate Thursday night. Colder air pushes in, and rain is expected to change to a rain-snow mix, then possibly snow before ending. Temperatures drop into the low 20s, creating a classic setup for flash freezing. Wet pavement may ice over rapidly after precipitation ends.
Plan extra travel time Thursday evening and overnight. Crews may struggle to keep up if temperatures fall faster than expected. Keep winter safety kits ready and reduce speed on slick roads.
Friday turns colder but quieter. Clouds linger with highs near 29 degrees, followed by another cold night. The weekend trends calmer, with seasonable cold and limited precipitation.
This pattern signals winter settling in as holiday travel ramps up.
Five-Day Outlook for Detroit, MI
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 40°
- Thursday: Rain, high near 46°
- Thursday Night: Rain changing to snow, low near 22°
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 29°
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 39°
