Wind Advisory Signals Gusty Friday for Southern Michigan as Snow Returns This Weekend
A Wind Advisory is in effect across much of southern Michigan for Friday, with southwesterly winds expected around 30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph that could blow around unsecured objects, down tree limbs and produce a few power outages.
Wind Advisory: timing, winds and travel impacts
Wind advisories cover Friday from morning through 9 p. m., with some notices specifying a 10 a. m. to 9 p. m. window. The strongest gusts are likely during the afternoon hours. Forecast guidance cites southwesterly winds sustained near 30 mph with peak gusts up to 45 mph. Officials warned that gusty winds could make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, SUVs and recreational vehicles.
- Advisory window: Friday morning through 9 p. m. (one listing shows 10 a. m. to 9 p. m. )
- Expected sustained winds: near 30 mph
- Peak gusts: up to 45 mph
- Primary impacts: unsecured objects blown around, downed tree limbs, isolated power outages, difficult driving for high-profile vehicles
What to expect through the weekend
The pattern responsible for the Wind Advisory is tied to a stalled warm front across the region. That frontal setup has already produced a sequence of wintry hazards this week: hail on Wednesday evening, dense fog that reduced visibility to a quarter-mile or less during Thursday morning commutes, and scattered rain and melting snow accompanying the strong winds on Friday morning.
Temperatures are forecast to fall as colder air moves in behind the front. Friday's high is expected near 49 degrees, with a drop to about 40 on Saturday and roughly 38 on Sunday. Snow returns Sunday, with the Detroit area given about a 70% chance and southwest portions of the state about an 80% chance. Snow showers and the colder air are likely to linger into Monday, especially in southwest Michigan.
Additional short-term details to monitor:
- Visibility concerns: Dense fog has already affected local commutes; drivers were advised to use low-beam headlights and plan for extra travel time when visibility is reduced to a quarter-mile or less.
- Hail reports: Hail was observed earlier in the week, including large stones in multiple communities.
- Temperature trajectory: A brief warm surge gives way to colder conditions and the return of snow by Sunday, with a prolonged cold stretch into early next week.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items ahead of the Wind Advisory and prepare for the possibility of brief power interruptions. Motorists are encouraged to plan routes and exercise caution during the advisory period, especially if operating high-profile vehicles. Expect evolving conditions as the front departs and colder air arrives; forecasts note that showers and melting snow will mix in Friday before the more organized snow threat develops on Sunday.
Recent weather trends this week—hail, dense fog, brief warmth, and now strong winds followed by colder air and snow—underscore the rapid shifts possible in the region's mid- to late-winter pattern. Keep an eye on forecasts through the weekend for updates to timing and local impacts.
