Mid-Michigan Braces for Sub-Zero Wind Chills and Slick Roads

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – Mid-Michigan residents are facing a frigid start to the week as temperatures plummet below freezing, creating hazardous road conditions and sub-zero wind chills. The region experienced light snow showers over the weekend, leaving roads slick and prompting school closures and delays across Gratiot and Isabella counties.

On Monday, temperatures fell throughout the day, reaching the upper teens by evening. A strong west wind, gusting up to 30 mph, pushed wind chills into the single digits. The National Weather Service reported that the normal high for January 13 is 30 degrees, but the region saw a high of only 25 degrees at sunrise.

“Drivers should remain alert to snow-covered and slick roads this morning,” warned meteorologists, noting that untreated surfaces were particularly hazardous. Snow showers were widespread in southern counties early Monday but tapered off, leaving only occasional flurries for the rest of the day.

Overnight, temperatures dropped to around 8 degrees, with wind chills expected to dip below zero by Tuesday morning. A weak disturbance moving through the area on Tuesday could bring scattered snow showers, with some areas potentially seeing up to an inch of accumulation. Highs on Tuesday will reach only 22 degrees, with wind chills lingering in the lower teens and upper single digits.

The cold snap follows a brief warm-up over the weekend, which did little to melt ice on the Great Lakes. Ice coverage increased to 9.4% as of Monday morning, up from 2.36% on the same date last year. Authorities urged caution on Saginaw Bay, where open water and thin ice patches remain. “You’ll still need to spud for thickness and be vigilant of wet or slushy areas on the ice,” officials advised.

Looking ahead, light snow is possible on Thursday, with a more significant winter storm potentially arriving next weekend. Residents are encouraged to bundle up and allow extra time for travel as conditions remain challenging.