Michigan — Frost coats every surface as the day begins, and engines groan awake under extreme cold. In Gaylord, the air feels sharp and unforgiving, the kind that steals breath instantly.
Temperatures plunged well below zero early, with readings near minus 11 degrees. Wind chills dropped as low as 15 to 25 below zero across Northern Lower Michigan and Eastern Upper Michigan. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning, warning of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Sunshine tries to break through later today, but warmth never arrives. Highs struggle to reach the upper single digits. Even light winds make the cold feel relentless. Limit time outside and check on pets, neighbors, and anyone without reliable heat.
Tonight stays bitter. Lows dip back below zero, and wind chills return to dangerous levels. Roads remain mostly dry, but extreme cold increases the risk of mechanical failures and frozen fuel lines. Keep emergency gear in vehicles, especially along U.S. 27 and M-32.
Saturday brings a modest change. Sunshine dominates, and highs climb into the mid-teens. It will still feel frigid, but calmer winds help slightly. Saturday night remains cold, setting the stage for a quieter but still wintry Sunday.
Sunday turns sunnier with highs near 25. Snow showers may develop late Sunday night, followed by a better chance of snow on Monday. Accumulations look light, but timing could impact travel as temperatures fall again after dark.
Another concern lingers beyond the cold. Ice jams are possible on area rivers as prolonged freezing thickens ice. Localized flooding could develop quickly if ice shifts.
Meteorologists continue tracking the broader Arctic pattern. With the Great Lakes heavily iced, cold air remains locked over the region into early February.
Five-Day Outlook for Gaylord, MI
• Today: Partly sunny, high near 8
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 15
• Sunday: Sunny, high near 25
• Monday: Snow showers likely, high near 24
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 18
