Bundle up: Sub-zero wind chills on tap in Metro Detroit

Bundle up, Detroit.

An arctic freeze with sub-zero wind chills is expected to rip through southeast Michigan overnight into Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in White Lake Township. Along with it will come a band of snow and flurries overnight.

"It will be very cold," meteorologist Dave Gurney said of Thursday's forecast. "Temperatures will be 8 to 10 degrees for low temperatures and only about 12 to 14 for high temperatures."

Frostbite will become a threat within 30 minutes if skin is exposed to the elements, said meteorologist Sara Schultz. People who must be outside are advised to bundle up and keep exposure to a minimum.

There's relatively good news on the horizon.

Friday should see temperatures still low at 18 to 20 degrees, but no drastic wind-chill is expected. There is snow possible late Friday night, however, the weekend could see temperatures rebound into the mid 30s.

"It will be warmer, but not very nice," Gurney said.

Snowfall amounts Friday night remain unclear as officials track the incoming system.

"For Friday into Saturday, 4 to 5 inches is expected," Gurney said. "We’ll be refining that as we go forward. We’re in a pretty solid winter pattern right now."

hfournier@detroitnews.com

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@HollyPFournier

Warming centers

Shelters are opening their doors this week to people in need of warm refuge from the frigid conditions. In Detroit, these centers include:

Cass Community Social Services, open nightly to women and children at 3901 Cass Ave. The center is open each year from Nov. 15 to April 1.

Operation Get Down, open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to men, women and children at 6821 Medbury. The center is open each year during the winter months.

Detroit Rescue Mission, open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. to men at 3535 Third Ave. The center also opens during the day when the forecast calls for temperatures below 10 degrees.

Extended forecast

Wednesday night: Scattered snow showers, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4. Wind chill values as low as minus 11. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 14. Wind chill values as low as minus 8.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as minus 5.

Friday: Chance of snow after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday night: Snow. Low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of around 3-5 inches.

Saturday: Snow before 1 p.m., then rain, snow, and sleet likely between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., then snow likely after 3 p.m. High near 32. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow and sleet accumulation of around 2 inches.

Source: National Weather Service