Several inches of wet snow are expected to accumulate across parts of Michigan through Monday night, with some areas potentially receiving over 6 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The heaviest snowfall is anticipated north of M-46, while the southern Lower Peninsula will experience a mix of rain and snow early in the week.
In western Michigan, lake effect snow is predicted to bring 2 to 4 inches of snow, with temperatures reaching the high 30s. The NWS advises that roads may become slippery and messy, urging residents to allow extra time for travel.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Grand Rapids area through Monday, with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected north of I-96, along with mixed precipitation, including sleet and freezing rain to the south. The NWS notes that the precipitation will taper off to snow flurries later in the evening.
In northern Michigan, snow is expected to continue throughout the day, with heavier, wet snow impacting the eastern Upper Peninsula during the morning commute. The snow will gradually spread southward to northern Lower Michigan by mid-morning, creating slushy and slippery conditions on the roads. However, the NWS in Gaylord predicts a warmer, milder Christmas with mostly cloudy skies and rising temperatures.
Northern Michigan could also experience additional snowfall due to lake effect snow and a clipper system, a low-pressure system that typically brings cold, arctic air from southern Canada into the region.
Snowfall predictions for December 24 vary across the Lower Peninsula, with the NWS forecasting:
- Detroit: 1 inch
- Grand Rapids: 1 inch
- Big Rapids: 2 inches
- Cadillac: 6 inches
- Clare: 4 inches
- Bad Axe: 6 inches
- Kalamazoo: 1 inch
- Muskegon: 1 inch
- Lansing: 1 inch