Metro Detroit is waking up inside a cloud today, with dense fog and low clouds cutting visibility and slowing the morning drive in spots. Temperatures are hanging in the upper 30s to low 40s and should top out near 45°F today, before a stronger system rolls in late Tuesday night and delivers widespread rain Wednesday, along with much warmer, breezy conditions inland.
Foggy Morning Commute
Drivers will run into dense pockets of fog across the northern suburbs, Flint, Port Huron and the Thumb, where visibility drops to around a quarter mile in places - so ease off the gas, use low beams and leave extra room to stop. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect through 10 a.m., and a separate Air Quality Advisory for sensitive groups covers portions of southeast Michigan. Folks with respiratory issues should go easy on strenuous outdoor activity. Local advisory details and spotter reports are available from FOX 2 Detroit.
Rain And A Brief Wintry Threat Overnight
A stronger low-pressure system will pull moisture into southeast Michigan late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (Feb. 17–18, 2026). Expect patchy fog early, then rain ramping up around 10 p.m. and peaking overnight. Steady rain is likely with a chance of a few thunderstorms, with lows near 38°F before temperatures climb into the low 40s. North of M-46, there is a short window where readings could briefly hover around freezing, allowing a quick burst of freezing rain before temperatures rise. These forecast details are reflected by the National Weather Service.
Timing, Amounts And Travel Impacts
Most locations pick up a few tenths of an inch of rain, with moderate odds of 0.25–0.5 inches and isolated higher pockets. Rain falling on a partial snowpack will raise the risk for ponding on roads and minor rises on small streams. Plan on slower travel Tuesday night into Wednesday and keep an eye out for localized flooding in spots where drains are still clogged by snow and debris. Outdoor events and late-night crews should be ready for wet, slick conditions.
Winds And Marine Concerns
Winds crank up Wednesday, with south-southwest gusts into the 20s inland and stronger gusts over the lakes. A Gale Warning is posted for portions of Lake Huron for much of Wednesday. Boaters and shoreline residents should secure loose gear and check marine forecasts before heading out. Gusty, damp conditions ease by Wednesday afternoon as the system pulls away.
Bottom Line
Look for a foggy, slow Tuesday morning, wet roads from late Tuesday into Wednesday and a warmer, windy Wednesday - plan your travel around the changing conditions and keep tabs on updated forecasts for any advisory changes. Forecasters will monitor any expansion of the freezing-rain zone north of M-46 and post updates if warnings are adjusted.
