Wind Advisory: Strong Gusts and Mixed Wintry Threats Head Into Southeast Michigan Weekend

A Wind Advisory will affect parts of the region Friday as a stalled warm front gives way to colder air, bringing gusty winds alongside fog, hail, rain and a renewed chance of snow. The Wind Advisory and accompanying travel impacts raise the stakes for morning commutes and set the stage for a colder weekend.

Wind Advisory details for Friday

Wind conditions are expected to be the standout threat Friday. The advisory covers much of southern Michigan from Friday morning until 9 p. m., and in Metro Detroit a Wind Advisory is in effect from 10 a. m. to 9 p. m. ET. Southwesterly sustained winds could reach around 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, with the strongest gusts likely during the afternoon hours.

Forecasters warn that gusty winds may blow around unsecured objects, bring down tree limbs and produce isolated power outages. Drivers of high-profile vehicles, including tractor-trailers, SUVs and recreational vehicles, should be prepared for difficult driving conditions. Rain showers are expected to accompany the stronger winds across much of southern Michigan Friday morning.

Fog, hail and the returning winter pattern

The current pattern is being driven by a stalled warm front that has kept the region near a boundary between air masses. That setup has produced persistent fog and periods of rain in recent days. Dense fog affected Thursday morning commutes in southeast Michigan, with visibility reduced to a quarter-mile or less; a regional advisory urged drivers to limit speed, use low-beam headlights and plan for extra travel time.

The disturbance has already produced hail in parts of the state. Half-dollar-size hailstones were observed in China Township in St. Clair County and Fowlerville in Livingston County, while quarter-size hail was seen in Dansville in Ingham County and in Tyrone Township in Livingston County. Scattered showers will continue to mix with melting snow at times Friday afternoon and evening in some areas.

Weekend temperature and snow outlook

Temperatures will fall through the weekend as the warmer air departs. A high near 49 degrees is expected on Friday, with a cooler Saturday high around 40 and a Sunday high near 38. Snow returns Sunday across southern Michigan, with Detroit given roughly a 70% chance of snow and the southwest part of the state nearer an 80% chance. In Metro Detroit, a lighter event Sunday could produce about an inch of accumulation over the course of the day.

The colder air and lingering snow showers are likely to persist into Monday, particularly in southwest Michigan, while lows may drop to single-digit wind chills early next week in some areas before a modest moderation by midweek.

What residents and travelers should do

• Expect gusty winds Friday afternoon; secure outdoor objects and prepare for isolated outages.
• Plan extra travel time for dense fog and reduced visibility during morning commutes; use low-beam headlights.
• Motorists in high-profile vehicles should be cautious of difficult driving conditions during peak gusts.
• Be ready for a transition back to colder weather and a renewed chance for light snow Sunday into Monday.

Recent updates indicate this forecast is active and evolving; details may change as the front progresses and colder air filters into the region.