If you were hoping for a break from winter, think again—Upper Michigan is in for another round of snow, cold, and tricky travel conditions this weekend. A storm system will drop 2 to 6 inches of snow by Saturday, February 15, and once that’s over, lake-effect snow and bitter cold will take over.
This isn’t a blizzard, but it’s enough to make driving dangerous, reduce visibility, and bring a real winter chill back into the air. If you have plans this weekend, you’ll want to prepare accordingly.
Here’s What to Expect
Friday, February 14 – The Quiet Before the Storm
Friday will be mostly cloudy and cold, but the snow will hold off for now. Expect a high around 19°F, with overnight temperatures dipping to 16°F.
Saturday, February 15 – Snow Moves In
Saturday will bring steady snowfall throughout the day, with total accumulation between 2 to 6 inches, depending on location. Areas near the Great Lakes might see even more, as lake-effect snow could add additional inches later on.
Winds will pick up in the afternoon, making it feel even colder. Highs will be near 23°F, dropping to 14°F overnight.
Sunday, February 16 – Bitter Cold and More Snow
While the snow will start to taper off, lake-effect snow showers will likely continue, bringing a little more accumulation in certain areas.
The bigger issue? The cold. Winds will pick up, and the high temperature for the day will only reach 17°F. By nighttime, it’ll plummet to 0°F or even colder in some spots.
Why This Matters
- Slippery Roads & Low Visibility – Snow-covered roads and sudden whiteout conditions from lake-effect snow will make travel difficult. If you have to drive, slow down, give yourself extra time, and keep emergency supplies in your car.
- Dangerous Wind Chills – Once temperatures drop Sunday night, the wind chill will make it feel even colder. Frostbite can set in within 30 minutes on exposed skin. If you’re heading outside, dress in layers and cover up as much as possible.
- Lake-Effect Snow Could Linger – Depending on how the winds shift, some areas could see even more snow early next week, especially near Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
How to Prepare
- Check the latest forecasts before heading out. Lake-effect snow can develop quickly, and conditions can change in a matter of hours.
- Drive carefully and keep winter gear in your car. Blankets, flashlights, extra layers, and snacks could be lifesavers if you get stranded.
- Be mindful of the cold. If you have to be outside, limit your exposure and wear warm clothing to prevent frostbite.
- Expect possible power outages. Heavy snow and wind could impact power lines, so have flashlights and extra blankets on hand, just in case.
Winter isn’t going anywhere just yet. Expect snowy roads on Saturday and dangerously cold temperatures by Sunday night. While this isn’t the worst storm of the season, it’s enough to cause travel headaches and bring back brutal wind chills.
