WEST MICHIGAN — It's surely been cold and snowy in West Michigan this winter season! However, it's nowhere near as cold as the temperatures we have to end the week. There are several layers to the bitter cold days ahead of us, including the timing of snow showers, estimated snow totals, wind speeds, and wind chill temperatures. Each of the layers are broken down for you below! Several alerts have also been posted.
Winter Weather Alerts
Two weather alerts have been posted for counties in West Michigan due to the snow, bitter cold air, and strong winds.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORYhas been posted for Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan, and Van Buren counties until 7 o'clock tonight. Total snow accumulations up to 4 inches will be possible along the immediate lake shore.
AWIND CHILL ADVISORY has been posted for Lake, Osceola, Clare, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Montcalm, Gratiot, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Calhoun, and Jackson counties until 9 o'clock this morning. Wind chill temperatures could dive to -15 degrees. Extended exposure to cold and wind could result in hypothermia or frostbite.
Timing of Snow Showers
A few scattered light snow showers impacted West Michigan overnight due to a passing cold front. Snow accumulates were light most around a dusting.
The ingredients of the atmosphere are ripe today for lake effect snow. This is due to the exceptionally cold air, the abnormally warm Great Lakes, and steady winds from the north/northwest.
Lake effect snow is firing along and west of U.S. 131. The steady northerly wind today will keep the highest snow accumulation today close to the immediate lake shore. Locations such as Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland, and South Haven have the best chance of receiving the highest snow totals by this evening, especially areas around and south of Holland.
Estimated Snow Totals
When things are all said and done most will see very minor snow accumulations; however, the lake effect snow could lead to higher amounts along and west of U.S. 131. Below is the estimated snow totals through tonight.
The zone immediately west of U.S. 131 have the best chance at receiving 1" to 2" of snow accumulation. Communities along the immediate lake shore have the best opportunity of receiving 2" to 4" of snow accumulation by tonight, especially along and south of Holland.
Wind Speeds
Now, we factor in the wind! Below is the estimated wind speed (white, larger number) and wind gust (blue, smaller number) for early this morning. Winds are likely to range from the northwest to the north through the day, ranging between 5 to 15 mph. A few wind gusts exceeding 25 mph are possible.
Any strong wind gusts today could create blowing and drifting snow. This could lead to reduced visibility while traveling!
Wind Chill Temperatures
Wind chill (or feels-like) temperatures are simply what the temperature your body feels when factoring in the actual temperature and the wind speed. Taking into account moderately breezy conditions today, these generate various feels-like numbers for West Michiganders.
This morning the wind chill temperatures will plummet. You'll be waking up to actual temperatures in the single digits and low teens. Factoring in the breeze, the feels-like temperatures will range between -5 to -20 degrees. This morning is likely to bring the coldest air of the season thus far.
The actual temperatures will warm up and the winds will calm down by this afternoon. However, the wind chill temperatures will remain bitter cold! By your lunch hour, feels-like temperatures will range between 0 to -15 degrees.
Bundling up will be needed no matter where you are in West Michigan! Do your best to limit your time outdoors, and don't forget about your pets! Thankfully, warmer temperatures return by this weekend.
Stay tuned with the FOX 17 Weather Team for the latest updates. You can also visit www.fox17online.com/weather/ and follow us on all social media platforms!
