WEST MICHIGAN — Our first significant storm of 2015 looks as if it will affect Michigan on Saturday. While it may not be a major snowstorm, there are several other ramifications (for our area) that we’ll need to consider as this system draws up plenty of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
The attached snapshot shows our computer forecast model FutureTrack HD at 6:00 PM on Saturday. The blue is snow, the pink is an icy mix of freezing rain and sleet, and the green is rain. While we don’t know exactly where the freezing line will be this far out, it’s safe to say a messy mix is on the way. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a watch, warning, or advisory posted by the National Weather Service by late Friday or early Saturday morning for this event.
Here’s the other thing that’s certain. The warmest temperatures on Sunday will occur early around 30, then literally crash behind this system throughout the day. Winds will increase and Arctic air will blast in to the state. Accumulating lake-effect snow is likely Sunday P.M., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday as the system drags down sharply colder air.
The difference between our current Arctic outbreak and the one next week is the air mass is expected to be more moist. That means several inches of accumulating lake-effect snow are possible next week, especially along/west of U.S. 131 with a westerly wind. High temperatures will only be in the teens with overnight lows in the single digits, and wind chills at/below zero.
Make sure to stay up on later forecasts as the exact track of this system is yet to be determined. Get the complete forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather. Have a pleasant, peaceful, and safe Happy New Year!
