by DETROIT, MI – November is making its chilly entrance as southeast Michigan braces for a stormy weekend marked by steady rain, gusty winds, and the first snowflakes of the season possible by Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, Friday’s mild start will quickly give way to a colder, wetter pattern. Rain will develop Friday afternoon, soaking much of metro Detroit and continuing through Saturday, as temperatures hover near 50°F. Southerly winds could gust up to 30 mph, especially along the busy I-94 and I-75 corridors, making for damp and blustery commutes.
Cold Front Brings First Snow Chances
By Sunday afternoon, colder air from the north will rush into the state, causing a dramatic temperature drop. Forecasters say rain will transition to a rain-and-snow mix before potentially turning to all snow by Sunday evening.
While heavy accumulation isn’t expected, a dusting to an inch could blanket lawns and rooftops — particularly north and west of Detroit. The western suburbs, Livingston County, and Flint areas are most likely to see light coatings on grassy and elevated surfaces.
“We’re not looking at a major snowstorm, but this will be the first real taste of winter for many in southeast Michigan,” the NWS said in a Friday morning update.
Slick Roads and Freezing Nights Ahead
Roads could become slick late Sunday into early Monday, especially on untreated surfaces, bridges, and overpasses. Drivers are advised to use caution and prepare for patchy ice during the Monday morning commute.
Temperatures will continue to slide, with highs dropping from near 60°F Friday to just the upper 30s by Monday. Winds will remain brisk into Monday morning before easing as skies begin to clear.
Veterans Day: Cold, Bright, and Breezy
By Veterans Day on Tuesday, the storm system will move out, leaving behind sunshine and dry conditions — but also frigid morning lows near 25°F. Afternoon highs will struggle to reach the low 40s, making it feel more like mid-December than mid-November.
For those planning to attend outdoor ceremonies or hang up holiday lights early, bundling up will be a must.
What’s Next?
Meteorologists say this weekend’s system marks a clear seasonal shift for the Great Lakes region, signaling the start of Michigan’s long transition into winter. More cold snaps and snow chances are expected to follow later in the month as Arctic air dips south again.
Five-Day Outlook for Detroit, MI
- Fri: 60° / 37° – Rain, breezy, gusts up to 30 mph
- Sat: 43° / 34° – Cloudy; light rain possible
- Sun: 40° / 25° – Rain changing to snow; cold wind
- Mon: 37° / 26° – Snow showers; mostly cloudy
- Tue: 42° / 24° – Sunny but cold for Veterans Day
Detroit residents should prepare now for wet-to-slushy travel and freezing mornings ahead, as Michigan officially says goodbye to fall.
How do you feel about snow showing up this early? Share your thoughts in the comments at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
