WEST MICHIGAN -- Though midweek temperatures were mild and the snow is melting away in most areas, we are about to get a fresh coating to perhaps a few inches of snow for the area as we head into the weekend. There is a broad area of low pressure moving towards us tonight and tomorrow, and eventually past us (to the east) by Saturday. As this low continues to trek through the area, it will gradually draw colder air into the FOX 17 viewing area.
Both rain and snow have been falling across most of the area, leading to wet roads and slower travel Friday morning. This area of widespread unsettled weather will move north of I-96 by the afternoon, with isolated rain and snow continuing through the evening.
The snow will remain in the area Friday night into Saturday in scattered fashion, with the highest prospect of slippery roads in our northern counties, such as Mecosta, Oceana, and Newaygo:
Here is a look at snow totals through Friday evening across the area:
As the above graphic shows, most areas will see under an inch of accumulation on grassy surfaces. A few inches are possible in Oceana, Newaygo and Mecosta counties through early Saturday. With temperatures getting above freezing for a high on Friday, roads should just be wet in most areas.
The snow will continue in scattered fashion, so that by Saturday night we see an inch or so of additional accumulation (with higher amounts north of I-96). Again, issues on the roads will primarily occur north of Grand Rapids in Montcalm, Oceana, Newaygo, and Mecosta counties.
Here is a look at where we stand in terms of snowfall compared to average in Grand Rapids:
Although there is more snow in the 7 day forecast, our totals for the season will remain well below average through the extended forecast as there are no major snow storms in the 7 day planner at this time. Stay tuned to FOX 17 for updates!
