The lake effect snow machine is getting ready to start again across parts of Michigan, the National Weather Service said this week.
Cadillac, Big Rapids, Muskegon and Kalamazoo are among the areas in the Lower Peninsula that could see 2 inches or more of lake effect snow Thursday and Friday. The Munising area in the UP could see up to 12 inches, with snow all along Lake Superior.
Michiganders driving in lake effect snow areas should look out for slippery and slick travel conditions, the National Weather Service cautioned.
More: Lake effect snow is in Michigan’s forecast. What does lake effect mean?
Possible snow, cold temps in southeast Michigan, Detroit
According to the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac office temperatures in Southeast Michigan could range from the upper 20s to lower 30s throughout the week.
“A chance for light snow with minimal accumulations Friday morning generally south of I-96,” said NWS Detroit in a statement on X.
A few lake effect snow showers or flurries are possible Thursday, but little to no accumulation is expected, the weather service said. Friday through Wednesday, there will be some additional lake effect snow showers with minimal accumulations.
Temperatures trend colder through the middle of next week with morning wind chills minimizing between 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Upper Peninsula could see heavy snow moving into 2025
Part of the UP that received 150.6 inches of snow in 2024, according to the NWS Marquette office, could start off 2025 with more heavy snow.
The NWS office is encouraging drivers to keep their eyes on the road and watch out for sharply reduced visibility. A winter weather advisory is in effect along most of the south shore of Lake Superior.
The Munising area could see up to 12 inches of snow this week, the weather service said.
“Lake effect snow showers continue in the WNW wind snow belts. Occasionally heavier snowfall rates up to 1 inch per hour will be possible at times tonight through Thursday, particularly for Alger and Luce counties (20-30% chance)”, said the NWS in a statement on X.
What will the weather be in southwest Michigan?
In southwest Michigan, including Sturgis and Coldwater, temperatures will be reach a low of 16 degrees.
Light snow accumulations — 1 to 2 inches are expected due to a clipper system moving through central Indiana early Friday, according to the National Weather Service website.
Will northern Michigan see snow?
The Gaylord NWS office predicts light snow Thursday that will extend through the weekend. The area — including Cadillac, Petoskey and Gaylord — could see anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of snow.
Temperatures will fluctuate throughout the week from 14 to 21 degrees.
In the Harbor Springs and Petoskey areas, snow and blustery winds are expected.
Is it expected to snow in west Michigan?
The Grand Rapids NWS office said the area should expect overcast and chilly conditions with morning flurries Thursday then lake effect snow and brisk west winds, up to 25 mph, over the weekend.
Will it snow in Lansing ?
Lansing is expected to receive some snow, with a 30% chance of precipitation late Thursday and early Friday.
A cloudy weekend should follow, with winds reaching as high as 25 mph Saturday night, and temperatures as low as 16 degrees.
What is lake effect snow?
Lake effect snow is a phenomena in which moisture-laden air drops heavy snow in some places downwind from large bodies of water while other areas receive almost nothing.
Lake effect snow occurs when cold air moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes creating snowfall, said Lily Chapman, a meteorologist at the NWS Forecast office in Marquette.
Often originating in Canada during the fall and winter months, colder air moves across the warmer Great Lakes. Water evaporates from the lakes, adding moisture to the lowest portion of the atmosphere, according to the National Weather Service.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan to see lake effect snow in UP, western areas this weekend
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