Detroit woke up under a gray, soupy blanket this morning, as patchy fog and low clouds cut visibility across much of the city and suburbs, with temperatures sitting in the mid-20s. The fog is expected to thin by mid-morning as southwest winds pick up, but an Air Quality Advisory remains in effect for parts of southeast Michigan and could make things tougher for residents who are sensitive to pollution.
Morning Fog And Visibility
The thickest fog is popping up in shoreline zones and low-lying neighborhoods, where visibility can drop to a mile or less and slow the morning commute. Calm winds and nearly saturated air early today are keeping haze and pockets of freezing fog in place until the lower atmosphere mixes out later this morning. Drivers are urged to stick with low beams, ease off the gas, and leave extra room to stop while the fog hangs around.
Rain Returns Tuesday Night Into Wednesday
A stronger weather system rolls in Tuesday night, bringing a solid shot of rain late Tuesday into Wednesday. Highs on Wednesday could climb into the upper 50s in some spots. Expect a steady, soaking rain, with most areas picking up roughly a quarter to an inch and some locally higher totals. That rain, paired with melting snow, may lead to ponding on roads and rising water on smaller streams. For detailed timing and updates, keep an eye on the National Weather Service.
Air Quality Advisory For Sensitive Groups
An Air Quality Advisory covering Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, St. Clair, and Monroe counties is in effect through 12:00 p.m. today. Fine particulate (PM2.5) levels are elevated and expected to reach the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range. Officials advise people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children to avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, keep windows closed overnight, and, if possible, run central air with MERV-13 or higher filters. For local guidance and recommended actions, check with the City of Detroit.
What To Expect For Your Commute
Count on slower travel in areas where the fog settles in thick this morning, and plan on wet roads with possible ponding from Tuesday night into Wednesday. Outdoor events slated for Tuesday night should have a backup plan ready, and outdoor workers may want to scale back heavy exertion during the advisory period. Check local forecasts and air-quality updates before heading out so the weather does not catch you off guard.
