The Change Is-A Coming to Michigan Weather

After a mild and dry beginning to the winter season, Michigan is in for a big dose of reality, beginning this weekend. A few days ago, we were warned of a potential major lake effect snow event for early next week. Now, it looks as if some extra moisture, provided by our friend El Nino, will add an extra and early punch of winter whiteness.

Rain showers have settled into Lansing Friday, and will stick around overnight and Saturday with foggy conditions. Saturday afternoon is when we will notice temperatures start to take a tumble, and by Saturday night, we will get below freezing and rain completely changes to snow. The National Weather Service predicts 2 to 4 inches of snow for Lansing between Saturday night and Sunday night. Some locally heavier amounts are possible. As you move west towards Lake Michigan, lake effect snow will add to the snowfall totals.

Then, we get the full on blast of arctic air Sunday night into Monday, when temperatures will only be in the upper teens for highs. Windy conditions will keep the lake effect snow maker on full speed. According to an article Friday at mlive.com, lake effect belts between Benton Harbor and Ludington could see a foot or more of snow through Thursday. The Traverse City-Petoskey belt, and areas along Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula could see two feet of snow.