GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Gusty winds and a sharp drop in temperatures are bringing a wintry change to western Michigan on Thursday, setting the stage for snow showers and hazardous travel in the Grand Rapids area before quieter weather arrives ahead of Christmas Eve.
Windy conditions are expected through the afternoon, with gusts reaching around 40 mph as a cold front pushes south through the region. Rain showers early Thursday are forecast to transition to snow as colder air rapidly moves in, with temperatures falling into the 20s by evening. Patchy fog may reduce visibility at times, particularly during the morning commute.
Snow showers are expected to develop Thursday night and continue into Friday morning, with lake-effect snow contributing to slippery roads and reduced visibility. Forecasters say general snowfall totals will range from 1 to 3 inches, though higher amounts are possible in areas near and west of U.S. 131 and along the U.S. 10 corridor, especially in Mason and Oceana counties. Gusty winds combined with falling snow could bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
Friday will remain blustery and cold, with highs struggling to reach the mid-20s. Snow showers will taper off by Friday night, allowing skies to gradually clear. Conditions improve heading into the weekend, with Saturday featuring mostly cloudy skies and highs near the upper 30s. Sunday is expected to be partly sunny but colder, with highs only in the lower 20s.
Looking ahead, Christmas Eve falls on Wednesday, and early indications point to a welcome change in the weather pattern. Forecasts suggest mostly dry conditions with moderating temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 30s in the Grand Rapids area. Winds are expected to be light, offering improved travel conditions compared to the end of the week.
While details may still evolve, meteorologists say the overall trend favors calmer and more seasonable weather just in time for holiday gatherings, following several days of wind-driven snow and cold across west Michigan.
