WEST MICHIGAN — You heard that right, our first accumulating snowfall is expected on Sunday. The first snow is never easy to see or hear about, but it is pretty normal for early November.
We have lucked out for the most part this October, dodging most if not all signs of a return to winter. We can say this because some of the earliest snow events on record have come in the first couple of weeks of October.
Typically, out first accumulating snowfall happens in the first two weeks of November, so this is pretty much right on schedule as our first snow will happen on November 1, 2020.
Accumulating snow may sound like you will have to break out the shovels and snowblowers, but that won't be the case here. Our "accumulation" will remain on the grass, shrubs, plants and elevated surfaces like your deck or roof. It will also be under half on an inch with most just seeing a dusting of snow.
In 2019, West Michigan saw our first snow right around Halloween. The Lake Michigan communities saw it one week later.
The snow on Sunday will pick up during the morning and end in the evening. It will come down heavy at times, which could leave some slush out on the roads. The good news is the ground is still pretty mild, so most of the snow that falls will melt quickly.
Don't let the mention of snow trick you into thinking this will be common next week as well. Our forecast will actually be quite the opposite, with us seeing 60s by Wednesday will plenty of sun!