Michigan wakes under churning clouds and a sharp, restless wind as this Saturday morning settles across Grand Rapids. Light flakes swirl through the air, catching in the headlights of early travelers while wet pavement glistens with a thin shimmer. Anyone planning post-Thanksgiving travel should brace for shifting conditions as lake-effect snow and a persistent wintry mix build through the weekend.
Strong west and northwest winds push 35–45 mph gusts at times, and meteorologists now track multiple snow bursts expected to intensify as colder air deepens across western Michigan. These bands may quickly drop visibility by late morning, especially on I-196, US-131, and roads west toward Holland and Muskegon. Drivers should slow down on bridges and overpasses, where icing develops fastest. Keep extra space between vehicles and avoid sudden braking.
Models hint at an early-winter tease today: a mix of freezing rain and snow through early afternoon, followed by steadier snow Saturday night. Accumulations remain modest in the city—generally 1–2 inches—yet lake-effect pockets north and west may exceed that range. To be fair, totals vary sharply across short distances, and conditions may deteriorate within minutes as bands shift inland.
Sunday stays wintry with more snow showers and brisk air, though winds ease slightly. Highs struggle to reach the lower 30s. Monday brings scattered snow showers with a cool breeze, and Tuesday continues mostly cloudy and cold with highs in the upper 20s. Wednesday offers the first quieter day, partly sunny with highs near 32°.
National outlooks highlight a below-normal temperature stretch December 2–6, signaling deeper early-December cold and renewed snow potential across western Michigan. Residents prepping for winter should stay alert for additional advisories next week.
