Detroit eased in today, under clear skies and temperatures near 30°F, with sunshine expected through the afternoon and highs close to 43°F. The calm will not last long, though, as a strong system arrives overnight. Residents should be ready for a fast flip to windy conditions and a quick hit of wintry precipitation late tonight into Friday.
High Wind Watch Tonight Into Friday
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch from tonight through tomorrow evening for all of southeast Michigan, calling for southwest winds of 25–35 mph with gusts up to 50–55 mph. Those gusts could bring down trees and power lines and make driving tricky, especially for high‑profile vehicles during Friday's commute. Locals are urged to monitor forecasts and travel advisories and to secure loose outdoor items, according to the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac.
Late Night Snow Then Friday Morning Warmup
Tonight until tomorrow morning (roughly 2–10 a.m.), a compact system is likely to drop a brief burst of accumulating snow. Forecasters expect around 1–3 inches north of M‑59, with little to no accumulation farther south. Rising temperatures tomorrow will melt much of the wet snow in the southern suburbs. Drivers should watch for slippery spots on untreated roads and occasional reductions in visibility during the morning commute.
Weekend Round And Strong Winds Early Next Week
Another stronger wave Saturday night into early Sunday is likely to bring additional accumulating snow, and a few spots may pick up 2–4 inches, especially north of I‑94, before a warm surge changes some precipitation to rain in places. The setup also carries a chance for thunderstorms Sunday night and gusty winds late Sunday into Monday, followed by much colder conditions early next week. Anyone with outdoor plans this weekend should keep schedules flexible and check forecasts before traveling Sunday or Monday.
How To Prepare
Secure patio furniture and garbage cans, charge devices, and have flashlights ready in case of power outages. DTE Energy asks customers to report outages and check restoration status at its website or by calling 800‑477‑4747. Boaters should expect gale‑force gusts on the lakes from Friday into Saturday and consider postponing nonessential trips.
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