WEST MICHIGAN- It’s hard to believe for many, myself included, that it’s already December! While we’re about 3 weeks away from the official first day of Winter, normally we’d see just a bit more of the wintry precipitation than we have so far.
There’s plenty of it to our west, with a strong low pressure system at the foot of the Rockies fueling rain, snow, and ice for large parts of the Midwest. This seems to be the umpteenth one of these storms to affect this area in the last couple of weeks. If you also thought that, you’re absolutely right. These storms so often have an impact on our weather shortly after, and the next couple of days are no exception.
Fast forward to this evening after sunset. Light showers will develop and spread into the area from the southwest. Perhaps a flake mixes in well to the north as well, but this event will be mostly rain.
After midnight, showers become more numerous and most areas will see rain at this point.
Rain also looks to affect the morning commute, so you’ll have to get use out of your windshield wipers versus the scrapers you’ve needed the past several mornings.
The afternoon and evening looks to clear out, as drier (and cooler) air wraps in from the northwest.
The commute Wednesday morning will be a different story in many areas compared to the previous day’s. Snow showers will fall as many head to work Wednesday morning. While this doesn’t look to stick to the pavement, it could still cause problems on the roads, especially some bridges and overpasses.
Since this is mainly a rain event, we’ll discuss that first. Rain totals look generally light, with even the heaviest totals hugging the half inch range.
Tuesday begins with all rain, and eventually clears out after lunch. As colder air arrives Tuesday night, rain and snow will mix and that precipitation blend will stick around Wednesday morning as well. Most areas won’t see accumulation, but some very cold surfaces, especially grassy areas, could pick up an inch or less.
Now for the news many of you may be excited about: above average temperatures are expected for the first half of December. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center suggests that much of the entire United States is likely to see above normal temperatures to start December, with the upper Midwest and Northeast regions of the U.S. more likely than others.
This is reflected very well in the 7 Day Forecast. Keep in mind, our average high this time of year is 39 degrees, and our average low is 26. Starting off the month wet and cool, but warm in time for the weekend.
Here’s the most up to date 7 Day Forecast.
