Navigating the Mist: Safe Travels Amidst Post-Christmas Hazards

NWS warnings currently active HERE.

Fog and slippery conditions emerge following Christmas in Upper Michigan and the Great Lakes area, as high pressure ushers in a more temperate phase of winter while trapping moisture in the atmosphere. Areas of dense fog that diminish visibility to less than a quarter mile, along with intermittent freezing drizzle, may coat surfaces with a thin layer of ice. The likelihood of rain also contributes to the hazardous conditions on roads and pathways.

This mild weather pattern is expected to bring temperatures in the 40s by the weekend. However, widespread rain from late Friday night into Saturday is likely to create slick conditions on the roads throughout the U.P. — as rain gives way to a wintry mix in the Western U.P. due to an influx of colder air this weekend.

The warming and rain affect winter activities in the area, including unsafe ice conditions on inland lakes, until the colder temperatures return to the U.P. around New Year’s Day — chances of snowfall included.

Tonight: Mainly cloudy with intermittent drizzle, including freezing drizzle, patches of thick fog, and light rain; gentle winds

>Lows: Upper 20s to 30s (cooler inland)

Friday: Predominantly cloudy with sporadic rain, light drizzle, and fog; rain coverage will become widespread overnight; blustery

>Highs: Upper 30s to Lower 40s

Saturday: Predominantly cloudy with rain, along with a wintry mix moving westwards by the afternoon; patches of drizzle and fog; blustery

>Highs: Upper 30s to Lower 40s

Sunday and Monday: Partly to mostly cloudy with occasional wintry mix

>Highs: 30s

Tuesday, New Year’s Eve: Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers; blustery

>Highs: 30

Wednesday, New Year’s Day: Partly to mostly cloudy with lake effect snow in areas affected by northwest winds; windy and colder

>Highs: 20s/30

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with lake effect snow in regions affected by northwest winds; windy and colder

>Highs: 20s

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