Michigan – Wet streets shine under morning headlights as mist hangs low across southeast Michigan. The air feels raw, hovering just above freezing, and puddles cling to curbs and parking lots. It looks quiet now, but winter is positioning itself for a more disruptive turn as post-Christmas travel approaches.
According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, temperatures sit in the low 30s early with occasional rain possible. Any precipitation remains light today, but melting moisture becomes an issue once colder air returns. Winds stay modest, though visibility can dip at times under low clouds.
Across the Detroit metro area, including Hamtramck, Dearborn, and Warren, conditions remain mostly cloudy through midweek. Highs stay in the upper 30s to low 40s, keeping roads wet but passable. Christmas Day trends mostly dry and seasonably cool, offering a brief travel window for holiday plans.
Attention turns to Thursday night and Friday. Colder air slips back into southeast Michigan while another system approaches. Rain may transition to freezing rain or a rain-and-snow mix, especially during the morning and early afternoon Friday. Even light icing can quickly coat bridges, overpasses, and untreated side streets.
Drivers along I-75, I-94, and I-96 should plan extra time and expect slower travel Friday. Conditions may deteriorate quickly as temperatures hover near freezing. Once evening arrives, any leftover moisture could refreeze, increasing the risk of black ice into Friday night.
This warm-to-cold pattern is classic late December. It often produces the most hazardous travel with minimal snowfall. Residents should monitor updates closely, limit nonessential travel during icy periods, and keep winter safety kits in vehicles.
More advisories are possible as timing sharpens.
Five-Day Outlook for Detroit, Michigan
• Today: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain. High near 46.
• Wednesday: Cloudy and cooler. High near 37.
• Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy. High near 41.
• Thursday Night: Chance of freezing rain. Low near 29.
• Friday: Rain and freezing rain possible. High near 41.
