Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Residents across northern Michigan are being urged to prepare for dangerously cold conditions as the National Weather Service issues Cold Weather Advisories for multiple counties ahead of a bitter overnight cold snap.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, the advisories will take effect late Monday night and remain in place through 11 a.m. EST Tuesday, with wind chills dropping as low as 22 degrees below zero in some areas.
Counties under the advisory include Chippewa and Mackinac counties, covering communities such as Sault Ste. Marie, Rudyard, Brimley, and St. Ignace, where the coldest wind chills are expected from 10 p.m. Monday through Tuesday morning. In these areas, exposed skin could develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes.
Additional advisories begin around 11 p.m. Monday for parts of Otsego, Kalkaska, Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Ogemaw, and Iosco counties, including cities such as Gaylord, Grayling, Houghton Lake, Cadillac, West Branch, and Tawas City. Wind chills in these areas are expected to reach 15 to 16 degrees below zero.
Meteorologists warn that prolonged exposure to these temperatures can lead to hypothermia, particularly for anyone outdoors without proper winter protection. Pets and livestock are also at risk during the coldest overnight hours.
Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, wear layered clothing, hats, and gloves, and ensure pets are brought indoors. Outdoor animals should have access to warm shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Tuesday morning, but officials stress that overnight and early-morning hours will be the most dangerous.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and heed all weather advisories as this Arctic air mass moves across northern Michigan.
