GAYLORD, Mich. – A wet and windy Friday across northern Michigan will give way to a stretch of brighter, calmer fall weather by Sunday, offering perfect conditions for outdoor plans and leaf-peeping drives.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, steady showers will persist through Friday evening as a cold front sweeps east. Gusts could reach 30 mph, especially along US-131 and open ridgelines near Boyne Falls. Drivers should expect slick roads and reduced visibility during the morning and midday hours. Residents are urged to secure loose decorations and check drainage near driveways before the wind eases.
By Saturday, skies will begin to clear with just a slight chance of a stray shower early in the day. Temperatures will hover near 59°F before cooling under partly cloudy skies overnight. Sunday marks a brighter turn with sunshine and a high near 65°F—excellent for pumpkin patch visits, trail hikes, and early Halloween decorating.
Columbus Day on Monday will stay mostly sunny and mild, with highs in the upper 60s before cooler air returns midweek. The shift signals the first hint of a mid-October cool-down, though no frost or freeze concerns are expected yet for Otsego County.
Travelers heading south toward Grayling or east toward Alpena can expect dry pavement and improving conditions through early next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Gaylord, MI:
Fri: 58/45 – Breezy; periods of showers, gusts up to 30 mph.
Sat: 59/44 – Partly cloudy; slight chance of a morning shower.
Sun: 65/47 – Mostly sunny; pleasant fall day.
Mon: 67/45 – Partly sunny; mild and dry for Columbus Day.
Tue: 60/39 – Mostly sunny; cooler breeze returns.
