Detroit woke up in a cloud this morning, with dense fog cutting visibility to roughly a quarter mile in spots and putting the brakes on the surface commute. Temperatures are sitting in the mid-30s, around 34°F at local observation points, with near-saturated air and patchy mist. Rain is expected to become more likely later today and tonight, followed by a gusty southwest wind on Friday.
Dense Fog Advisory This Morning
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect across much of Southeast Michigan until 12:00 p.m. today, and the National Weather Service is warning that “low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.” Visibility may drop to one-quarter mile or less, especially near rivers, lakes, and low-lying neighborhoods, according to NWS Detroit/Pontiac. Officials are urging drivers to slow down, flip on the low beams, and leave extra stopping distance during the heart of the morning commute.
Rain Tonight, Gusty Friday
Rain is expected to become likely late tonight and continue into Friday morning. Forecasters put the chance of precipitation near 80% overnight, with new rainfall totals of around a quarter to a half inch possible. Temperatures will hold in the low-to-mid 40s tonight, then Friday highs should push toward 50 inland before falling again later in the afternoon.
Friday will also be on the breezy side. The public forecast calls for gusts near 30 mph in many spots, and the forecast discussion notes that pockets of 40–45 mph are possible across parts of southern Southeast Michigan, so it is a good idea to secure lightweight outdoor items ahead of time.
What To Expect On The Roads
Plan on a slow roll this morning. Low visibility in the fog will make it tougher to see brake lights and lane markers, so give yourself extra time and stick with low beams rather than high beams, which can reflect off the fog and make things worse. Later today and tonight, patches of standing water from the rain may make some surfaces slick, so increase following distance and ease off the gas.
If you have an early flight or time-sensitive trip, it is worth checking in with your airline. Low ceilings and reduced visibility can trigger delays at Detroit Metro Airport, especially during busy travel windows.
Looking Ahead
The pattern cools heading into the weekend. Saturday is expected to be mostly cloudy, and there is a chance for light snow late Sunday into Monday, with only minor accumulations expected at this time.
