Michigan – Light snow drifts across western Lower Michigan this morning, softening skylines and dulling road edges as winter keeps its grip on New Year’s Eve. Tires hiss on slushy pavement, and even light snowfall is enough to slow travel as temperatures stay firmly below freezing.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through early New Year’s Day for parts of western Michigan. Additional snow accumulations between one and three inches are expected, especially across Barry, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, and Newaygo counties. Snow tapers gradually but continues to impact travel.
Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Hastings, Fremont, and surrounding communities should expect slippery roads through today and into tonight. Snowfall rates remain light to moderate, but untreated roads, ramps, and neighborhood streets could remain slick. US-131, I-196, and M-6 may see reduced speeds during heavier bursts.
Temperatures hover in the 20s today, then fall into the teens tonight. Wind chills dip lower, and any snow-packed surfaces may refreeze quickly. New Year’s Day 2026 brings partial sunshine, but cold air limits improvement. Even where plows clear lanes, black ice remains a concern during early travel.
By Thursday night, another chance for light snow returns before quieter conditions settle in. Friday stays mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-20s. The first weekend of 2026 remains cold and gray, with highs near the upper 20s and spotty snow chances lingering into Sunday.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time through the holiday. Keep winter kits ready and monitor local road conditions as snow continues.
Seeing slick roads or steady snow where you are? Share what travel looks like across western Michigan.
Five Day Outlook for Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Today: Snow likely, high near 27
• New Year’s Day: Partly sunny, very cold, high near 22
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 26
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 26
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers, high near 29
