The Upper Peninsula wakes under a steel-gray sky this morning as northwest winds whip Lake Superior’s edge into a wall of snow. Visibility drops to a few hundred feet at times near Marquette, where steady lake-effect snow and Arctic wind chills make for a treacherous start to early December.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, lake-effect bands will persist through midday, dropping an additional 3 to 6 inches of snow across Alger, northern Schoolcraft, and Luce Counties. Gusty northwest winds — reaching 30 mph — will cause blowing and drifting snow along U.S. 41 and M-28, creating near-whiteout conditions in exposed stretches.
Wind chills are plunging below zero, with readings as low as –15°F near the Wisconsin border. The biting cold and drifting snow will make travel difficult and potentially dangerous for morning commuters and plow operators alike.
By Friday, snow showers ease slightly but continue in bursts, keeping roads slick and visibility low. Temperatures hover in the low 20s through Saturday before rebounding slightly into the upper 20s next week. Long-range models point to continued lake-effect activity December 11–17, suggesting the Great Lakes snowbelt will stay active deep into the holiday season.
Drivers are urged to slow down, keep emergency kits in their vehicles, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy bursts. Residents should also protect exposed skin and pets from frostbite during extended outdoor activity.
Five-Day Outlook (Marquette, MI):
- Thursday: Snow showers, high 16°F, low 8°F.
- Friday: Snow showers, high 26°F, low 17°F.
- Saturday: Snow likely, high 23°F, low 11°F.
- Sunday: Snow chance, high 19°F, low 8°F.
- Monday: Cloudy, snow showers linger, high 28°F.
