Michigan – Low clouds hang over West Michigan as damp air clings to roads and sidewalks, muting the usual morning rush. The quiet start won’t last. A developing system brings rain first, then snow, setting up slippery travel just as year-end plans and New Year’s travel accelerate.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, patchy fog lingers early, followed by periods of rain through the day. Showers become steadier by evening, then begin mixing with snow late Sunday as colder air filters in. Temperatures fall quickly, dropping below freezing by Monday morning.
Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, and surrounding communities should prepare for a messy transition. Rain-soaked pavement cools rapidly, allowing slush and light snow to stick. Snow showers intensify Monday, with around 1 to 2 inches possible, especially north and east of the city. Winds increase, adding a brisk edge and reducing visibility at times.
Plan extra time if traveling Sunday evening or early Monday. Bridges, overpasses, and ramps along I-196, US-131, and M-6 may turn slick first. After all, flash freezing often causes more crashes than snowfall totals suggest. Slow down and keep extra distance.
Monday remains wintry, with scattered snow showers and highs near the freezing mark. Conditions gradually calm Monday night, but winter stays firmly in control. Additional snow showers remain possible Tuesday, keeping roads damp and occasionally slick.
Looking ahead, New Year’s Eve Wednesday trends cold and mostly cloudy, with lingering snow chances during the day. New Year’s Day 2026 stays cold, offering quieter weather but a true midwinter feel across West Michigan.
Meteorologists continue tracking lake-enhanced snow potential through the final days of December. More advisories could follow.
Traveling late Sunday or Monday? What are road conditions like in your neighborhood?
Five-Day Weather Outlook – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sunday: Showers, breezy, high near 55
Sunday Night: Rain changing to snow, low near 27
Monday: Snow showers, breezy, high near 32
Tuesday: Chance of snow showers, high near 27
Wednesday (New Year’s Eve): Mostly cloudy, cold, high near 26
