Sloppy weather to end week, but chance of severe conditions low

Detroit — A warm up with rain and snow are on the way in Metro Detroit's forecast, increasing the likelihood of a third consecutive sloppy weekend in Michigan.

"There's a new system crossing the Plains right now and that will start working its way into southeastern Michigan Thursday night-Friday morning," Kyle Klein, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in White Lake Township, said Wednesday. "It looks like the weekend will start out with a chance of snow showers."

On Friday morning, rain was widespread across the state, and some areas north of Detroit and in northern Michigan were experiencing freezing rain and snow. Dozens of schools districts canceled classes due to the weather.

The National Weather Service said freezing drizzle and rain should change to all rain by mid-morning.

After temperatures dropped to the low 20s in the first part of the week, they are expected to rise into the mid- to upper 30s through Sunday. Detroit's average monthly high temperature in January is 32 degrees and the low is 19.1 degrees.

The story may repeat Saturday, but the area should dry out Sunday through Tuesday.

"During the day Friday, it will start to warm up and change over to either a rain-snow mix or all rain," Klein said. "That sticks around through Saturday when cold air starts to get back in the area Saturday night. It'll change back over to some snow showers before exiting the area Sunday morning." 

Minor lakeshore flooding is possible in Huron, Sanilac and St. Clair counties. The advisory is in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday.

Last Saturday, Metro Detroit saw 5-8 inches of snow in its first significant storm of the season. On Jan. 11, the area was hit with rain and snow in what was described as a week of "roller coaster" weather.

Beyond Metro Detroit

This weekend in the Grand Rapids area, a mix of rain and snow is forecast by the National Weather Service for Friday, as temperatures hover around freezing. Up to 2 inches of snow could fall. Snow showers are expected to linger into Saturday but Sunday will be calm, the agency says.

Central and northern portions of the state could see slushy snow accumulations Friday night with the risk of freezing drizzle late in the evening or early Saturday, but no hazardous conditions are expected.

In the Upper Peninsula, snow is in the forecast until late Saturday. Forecasters say an inch of snow is possible Friday, and another 1 to 3 inches Saturday. But temperatures are forecast through Tuesday to be higher than normal.

Metro Detroit extended forecast

Friday: Rain; high 39, low 33.

Saturday: Cloudy; high 38, low 31.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy; high 38, low 28.

Monday: Mostly cloudy; high 40, low 31.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy; high 41.

Source: National Weather Service

cramirez@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @CharlesERamirez