If you’ve been trying to figure out how to dress for this unpredictable Michigan spring weather — well, you’re not alone. One minute it’s sunny and calm, the next, your garbage bins are flying down the street.
Detroit is in for another round of classic Midwest spring chaos this week, with chilly temperatures, strong winds, and rain making appearances through Thursday. Here’s a closer look at what we’re dealing with:
Tuesday (April 15) – The Ugly One: Cold, Rainy, and Windy
Tuesday’s weather is… let’s just say, not great. Highs will barely crack the upper 40s, and with wind gusts up to 45 mph, it’s going to feel downright raw. If you’re heading outside — whether it’s for work, errands, or a school drop-off — bundle up like it’s still late February.
There’s a chance for scattered rain and even a few snowflakes in the morning. Yep, snow in mid-April. It won’t accumulate, but it’s enough to make you sigh into your coffee and check if your winter coat is still hanging by the door.
What to Expect:
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Wind gusts peaking between 35–45 mph (especially in the afternoon)
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Light rain throughout the day, mixed with flurries early on
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Chilly wind chills that make it feel like the low 40s or even 30s
Heads-up for drivers: Watch for high winds on highways, especially if you’re in a high-profile vehicle. Hang onto your hats, folks — literally.
Wednesday (April 16) – Calm After the Storm (Kinda)
Wednesday gives us a break — and it’s the day you’ll want to take advantage of if you’ve got outdoor errands or want to sneak in a walk without being pelted by sideways rain.
Skies will be partly sunny, winds will ease to a gentler 15–20 mph, and we’ll warm up just a bit, hitting a high near 55°F. It’s still jacket weather, but it’ll feel more like “spring’s on the way” than “why is winter still here?”
Vibe check: A solid day to get outside for a mental reset between weather systems.
Thursday (April 17) – Rain Makes a Comeback
Don’t get too cozy with that nice weather. Thursday starts off quiet but goes downhill fast. Clouds will roll in by afternoon, and by evening we’re looking at a 70% chance of rain. Highs will hover around 58–60°F, and winds pick back up into the 15–25 mph range.
It’s not going to be a washout, but it’s definitely going to be soggy, especially overnight into early Friday. Depending on how heavy it gets, there could be minor ponding on roads in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Planning tips:
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If you’ve got after-work plans, bring a jacket or umbrella
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Might be a good night to stay in and catch up on a show instead
Takeaways:
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Tuesday: Cold, windy, and wet — the worst of the week
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Wednesday: Dry, calmer, and your best bet for outdoor plans
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Thursday: Mild start, rainy and breezy evening
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Friday: Still unclear, but early rain is a possibility
