Michigan — Light snow drifts across M-32 this morning as headlights cut through the cold haze near Gaylord. The air feels sharp and unforgiving, with wind pushing flakes sideways and biting exposed skin within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, an Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from this evening through Thursday morning. Wind chills are expected to fall between 15 and 25 degrees below zero across northern Lower Michigan and eastern Upper Michigan. Air temperatures remain mostly between 5 and 15 below zero away from Lake Huron.
Snow showers continue at times today, driven by lake-effect bands. Most locations pick up less than two inches, though western Chippewa County may see locally higher totals. Roads turn slick quickly where snow overlaps with falling temperatures, especially on untreated stretches and secondary highways.
Highs today struggle to reach the lower teens. Winds remain steady, keeping wind chills well below zero all day. Conditions deteriorate further after sunset as skies partially clear and temperatures fall fast.
Thursday turns brutally cold. Highs reach only around 3 degrees, with wind chills plunging near 20 below zero during the morning. Calm winds Thursday night allow lows to drop near 14 below, setting up another dangerous start to Friday.
Friday stays cold but quieter. Sunshine returns, though highs only reach around 5 degrees. Refreezing becomes a major concern after brief daytime melting, increasing the risk of icy roads and parking lots.
The weekend brings gradual improvement. Saturday turns mostly sunny with highs near 15. Sunday moderates further, climbing into the low 20s with a chance for light snow late.
This prolonged deep freeze connects to Arctic air locked over the Great Lakes, now nearly half frozen. That ice reduces lake-effect intensity but allows cold air to linger longer across northern Michigan.
Limit time outdoors today. Dress in layers, protect pets, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Traveling later today? Share what road conditions look like near you.
Five-Day Outlook for Gaylord, Michigan
- Today: Snow showers, very cold, high near 12°F
- Thursday: Sunny and bitter, high near 3°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, frigid, high near 5°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, moderating, high near 15°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny, chance of snow late, high near 22°F
