GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Christmas week may still feature some snow, but the weekend leading up to the holiday is cooperating nicely for last-minute shoppers and those who are traveling.
Despite a breeze that made it feel cooler during the day Saturday, temperatures remained seasonable with highs in the mid-30s around West Michigan. Even better, dry weather and sunshine provided easy driving conditions.
Sunday will be very similar, with the added benefit of lighter winds during the day.
As Christmas Day approaches, areas that received at least an inch or two of snow Friday will likely hang onto a “White Christmas.” But it will take a little gift from Santa to bring snow to the rest of West Michigan in time for Christmas morning.
A weak system sliding through the Ohio River valley will create some snow Monday afternoon into Monday night. However, most computer forecast models keep the majority of this snow south of our area, or bring some snow into just the southern portions of the state (mainly along I-94).
Beyond Christmas Day, travelers will want to watch the forecast for Wednesday into Thursday, as a more substantial storm system is forecast to develop. That storm is also currently forecast to give a glancing blow to the state of Michigan; but there is plenty of time for that to shift.
There is another system showing up in long-range computer models that would give us a chance of snow Friday and Saturday.
Regardless of the impact of these disturbances, temperatures will hold in a more seasonable range, which will give local ski areas a chance to build up a better base of manmade snow. That bodes well for those who may want to hit the slopes before schools get back in session after the New Year.
You can check out the full 7 Day Forecast on the Weather page.
PHOTO: Sunset on Saturday, December 22 – Joe Barney, Orangeville, Mich.
