Gaylord, MI – Northern Michigan residents are facing a rapid weather swing through the end of the week, as a midweek warmup brings rain and fog before temperatures plunge again heading into the weekend, increasing the risk for icy roads and hazardous travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a storm system moving into the Great Lakes will bring widespread rain Thursday evening into Friday, with rainfall totals around 0.5 inches for most areas and localized totals near one inch possible. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 30s and 40s, accelerating snowmelt across the region.
Forecasters warn that the combination of rain and melting snow could lead to localized minor flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers where ice jams may develop. Reduced visibility from widespread fog is also expected at times, particularly overnight and during the morning commute.
Conditions will change quickly late Friday as colder air moves back in. Temperatures are expected to drop into the teens and 20s Friday night, causing wet roads and puddled areas to refreeze, creating slick travel conditions.
Another weather system is forecast to pass through the Great Lakes Saturday into Saturday night, bringing the potential for a wintry mix or snow, with lake-effect snow possible in favored areas. Roads may once again become snow-covered or icy, especially on untreated surfaces.
Weather officials urge residents to monitor forecasts closely, clear storm drains where possible, and use caution when traveling, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours this weekend.
