WEST MICHIGAN — The forecast from FOX 17 Meteorologist Reece Cole: Tonight temperatures fall to near freezing, as colder air sweeps into West Michigan on Monday. This will help fire up some lake effect snow to get a taste of Winter to start the work week. Monday's blast of cold air will keep afternoon temperatures in the lower 30s, with wind chills in the lower 20s due to a strong north/northwest wind. Travel could be slick due to snowfall mixed with 50 mph wind gusts, leading to blowing and drifting snow. Total snow accumulations west of US-131, look to be up to 2" with isolated spots picking up to 5". A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY will take effect Monday morning at 4 A.M. lasting until Tuesday at 4 A.M. for Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan counties. Van Buren county is under a WINTER STORM WARNING from 4 A.M. Monday until 4 A.M. Tuesday. Following the snow, the remainder of the work week looks to be dry, offering mild temperatures and partly to mostly cloudy skies.
Longer range forecast models and trends indicate we have a good chance of above-normal temperatures before and through Christmas. The average high temperature around that time of year is in the middle 30s. This type of a moderate to strong El Nino pattern is leading to what may be a "green" Christmas for Michigan. In fact, much of the entire nation may be seeing above-average temperatures leading up to Christmas itself, so perhaps travel will be good. It looks like the pattern may start breaking down around or just after Christmas. Make sure to stay up on later forecasts.
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Light rain turns to heavier lake effect snow by sunrise. Lows in the lower 30s. Winds west at 5 to 10 mph early, becoming northwest at 10 to 20 mph after midnight with gusts to 30 mph.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy. Lake effect snow showers, heaviest west of US-131. Accumulations up to 2 inches inland, up to 5 inches in southwest Michigan. Highs in the lower to middle 30s. Winds northwest at 10 to 15 mph, building to 20 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph inland and 50 mph along the lake shore.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs in the middle 30s.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs near 40 degrees.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 40s.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with a chance of a light shower. Highs in the lower 40s.
For the latest details on the weather in West Michigan, head to the FOX 17 Weather page.
