WEST MICHIGAN — After a quiet start to the weekend with only occasional light, mixed precipitation that didn’t amount to anything, we’re expecting snow to move in around noon today.
A trough of low pressure in the Plains will progress eastward through the Great Lakes region this afternoon and this evening.
Here’s a look at where that trough is as of this early morning writing, and where the leading edge of that snow is as well:
As you can see, some rain is falling from southern Iowa down through Missouri and Kansas. It’s possible that some rain may mix with the snow by the lakeshore and in our southeastern communities (such as Battle Creek and Coldwater) as the snow moves in here this afternoon.
According to Future Track HD, the snow moves in during the middle afternoon hours:
I think this is a little too late, actually. The snow will likely reach most of the FOX 17 viewing area around noon or so. Our model has the snow tapering off late this evening, which I agree with:
It looks like totals will be around 1 to 2 inches, mainly on grassy surfaces. With warm ground temperatures and near-surface air temperatures generally above freezing, it will be difficult for the snow to accumulate on roadways. This is how much snow Future Track HD is showing will fall across the area:
With rain mixing in along the lakeshore and in southeastern sections of the FOX 17 viewing area, accumulations will likely be less than an inch in places like South Haven and Coldwater.
After a brief spell of mild weather on Monday and Tuesday, Arctic air will work into West Michigan later this week. Highs probably won’t make it out of the 20s on Thursday, and will struggle to reach 30° Friday. With this cold air crossing the relatively warm waters of Lake Michigan, we expect significant amounts of lake effect snow with several inches of accumulation possible. We’ll continue to update you on this situation as the week unfolds.
