A genuine blast of winter will grip the Great Lakes region through Thanksgiving weekend as Arctic air flows south, bringing lake-effect snow, harsh wind chills, and dangerous traffic from Wisconsin to western New York. The chilly pattern will arrive late Friday and last well into early next week.
Temperatures in Grand Rapids, MI, and Cleveland, OH, will be 10 to 20 degrees below normal between November 28 and December 4. Highs will struggle to reach the mid-30s across lower Michigan and northern Ohio, with overnight lows falling into the 20s. The rush of cold, dry air over the still-warm lakes may result in strong snow bands off Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, poor visibility and snow-covered areas are expected along I-96, I-75, and U.S. 131 this weekend, particularly under stronger lake-effect bands. Northwest winds gusting at 30-40 mph may cause blowing snow, drifting, and wind chills in the teens. Air travelers at Chicago O’Hare, Detroit Metro, and Cleveland Hopkins may see de-icing delays during the holiday return rush.
Residents and drivers are asked to prepare for winter weather by keeping additional clothing and emergency kits in their vehicles, charging their phones, and checking road conditions regularly. Outdoor plans and lake trips should be postponed while advisories are in effect.
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