Lake-Effect Snow Slams Upper Michigan With 3–6 Inches and Dangerous –15°F Wind Chills Thursday
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — A steel-gray sky and powerful northwest winds are creating a treacherous start to early December across Upper Michigan this morning. Lake Superior’s edge is churning up walls of lake-effect snow, knocking visibility down to just a few hundred feet at times and turning travel into a dangerous challenge across the region.
3–6 Inches of Snow Expected Across Alger, Schoolcraft, and Luce Counties
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, lake-effect snow bands will persist through midday, producing an additional 3 to 6 inches of accumulation across:
- Alger County
- Northern Schoolcraft County
- Luce County
Gusty northwest winds — reaching 30 mph — will create blowing and drifting snow along U.S. 41 and M-28, triggering short-lived whiteouts in open stretches. Plow operators and morning commuters may struggle with rapidly shifting visibility and drifting snow piles.
Wind Chills Drop to –15°F as Arctic Air Tightens Its Grip
Temperatures are not only cold — they are dangerous. Wind chills have plunged below zero, with readings as low as –15°F near the Wisconsin border. Exposed skin can freeze quickly, and prolonged outdoor activity heightens the risk of frostbite.
Residents should take precautions, including:
- Wearing insulated layers and face coverings
- Bringing pets indoors
- Limiting time outdoors during gusty periods
- Keeping emergency kits stocked in vehicles
Snow Continues Into Friday and Saturday Before Slight Warm-Up
Snow showers will ease slightly on Friday, but bursts of lake-effect snow will continue to keep roads slick and visibility low. Temperatures will hold in the low 20s through Saturday, maintaining icy surfaces across higher terrain and open rural stretches.
A modest rebound arrives early next week, with highs climbing into the upper 20s, though lake-effect activity will persist during much of the period.
Active Snowbelt Pattern Likely Through December 11–17
Long-range models point to a continued active pattern between December 11–17, with the potential for heavier lake-effect snow developing across Michigan’s snowbelt. Meteorologists warn that Upper Michigan may remain locked in a cycle of Arctic air and persistent snow squalls — just as holiday travel increases across the Great Lakes region.
Five-Day Outlook for Marquette, Michigan
Thursday: Snow showers, high 16°F, low 8°F
Friday: Snow showers, high 26°F, low 17°F
Saturday: Snow likely, high 23°F, low 11°F
Sunday: Snow chance, high 19°F, low 8°F
Monday: Cloudy, snow showers linger, high 28°F
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