by Gaylord, Michigan — A quiet stretch of weather across northern Michigan will come to an end late Thursday as a potentially hazardous wintry system arrives just in time to affect Christmas night and Friday travel. Forecasters say the main concern will be slick roads caused by a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with conditions varying sharply by location.
According to the National Weather Service office in Gaylord, precipitation is expected to begin late Thursday evening and continue through Friday evening, bringing changing road conditions across the region.
Calm Conditions Hold Through Thursday
For now, conditions remain relatively quiet. Aside from a few isolated flurries or light snow showers in eastern Upper Michigan, most areas will stay dry through Thursday daytime hours.
Temperatures today are expected to range from the mid-20s to mid-30s, cold enough for winter travel but not creating widespread hazards. This lull is giving way to increasing concern about what arrives after sunset Thursday, especially as holiday travel ramps up.
Snow Likely in Eastern Upper Michigan
Forecasters say eastern Upper Michigan will see the most straightforward precipitation type: snow.
By Friday evening, snow accumulations could reach up to five inches in parts of the eastern U.P. While not extreme, that amount of snowfall over a relatively short window could still lead to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility, particularly during overnight and early morning travel.
Drivers in these areas should be prepared for plow activity and slower travel speeds late Thursday night into Friday.
Wintry Mix From Mackinac Bridge to M-72
From the Mackinac Bridge south to roughly the M-72 corridor, conditions become more complicated.
Forecasters expect a mix of snow and sleet in this zone, which can be especially problematic for travel. Sleet tends to bounce and compact on roadways, making surfaces slick even when accumulations appear light.
This transition zone is highly sensitive to temperature changes. Small shifts of just a degree or two could determine whether roads stay mainly snow-covered or become icy.
Freezing Rain Risk in Northern Lower Michigan
The highest travel risk is expected south of M-72 across parts of northern Lower Michigan, where freezing rain is forecast to be the dominant precipitation type.
Ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are possible. While that may sound minor, even light ice can cause dangerously slick roads, especially on untreated surfaces, bridges, overpasses, and rural routes.
Freezing rain often leads to the most hazardous driving conditions, as ice can form quickly and be nearly invisible, catching drivers off guard.
Read Also: Post-Christmas Weather Alert: More Snow and Ice Headed for the Northeast
Travel Impacts Most Likely Thursday Night and Friday
The most impactful period for travel appears to be Thursday night through Friday, when precipitation is ongoing and temperatures remain cold enough to support icy conditions.
The National Weather Service urges drivers to closely monitor forecast updates, noting that the exact placement of snow versus ice could still shift as the event approaches.
Holiday travelers, overnight workers, and anyone with early Friday plans should consider adjusting travel times if possible and be prepared for slower, more cautious driving.
Temperatures Stay Cold Through the Event
High temperatures today and Thursday will remain in the mid-20s to mid-30s, with cold conditions continuing into Friday. These temperatures will allow snow and ice to persist on roadways, limiting melting during the day.
Road conditions may not improve significantly until the system exits the region.
Improvement Expected by Saturday
The good news: forecasters say conditions should improve by Saturday as the system moves out of northern Michigan.
Temperatures are expected to stabilize, and precipitation will taper off, allowing road crews time to treat surfaces and restore safer travel conditions. No major follow-up storms are currently forecast immediately after this system.
How to Prepare Now
Officials recommend residents and travelers take precautions ahead of the wintry mix:
- Check road conditions before heading out Thursday night or Friday
- Allow extra travel time, especially on untreated roads
- Keep emergency supplies in vehicles, including blankets and flashlights
- Reduce speed and increase following distance if icy conditions develop
Because freezing rain can develop quickly and unevenly, even short trips could become hazardous.
Bottom Line
While northern Michigan avoids major winter storms today, a wintry mix late Thursday into Friday could create icy, dangerous travel conditions, especially south of M-72. With holiday travel underway, staying informed and flexible will be key to staying safe.
Are you traveling across northern Michigan Thursday night or Friday? Let us know what conditions you’re seeing and share your plans in the comments below.
