Marquette, MI – Lake effect snow has returned to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula today, bringing 2 to 6 inches of accumulation and hazardous travel conditions east of Marquette, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Marquette.
Forecasters say the snow will continue through Thursday morning, fueled by cold north-to-northwest winds off Lake Superior. The heaviest accumulations are expected in wind-swept snowbelts east of Marquette, with occasional bursts of heavy snow reducing visibility to under a quarter mile at times.
Daytime highs will remain between 19°F and 27°F, with overnight lows dropping to the single digits in the interior west. Winds gusting up to 25 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow, creating slick and icy conditions along US-41 and M-28.
The NWS warns that travel could be difficult in open areas where snow squalls quickly reduce visibility. Drivers are encouraged to keep extra distance between vehicles, reduce speed, and be prepared for sudden whiteout conditions, especially near Lake Superior’s eastern shoreline.
By Thursday, lighter snow showers will linger mainly across the eastern U.P., tapering off by afternoon as cold, dry air moves in. Temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing into the weekend, maintaining icy conditions on untreated surfaces.
Residents are urged to monitor local advisories and exercise caution when traveling in affected areas.
