If you’ve been struggling with the icy temperatures across Michigan, hold on a little longer—relief is in sight. An Arctic air mass continues to dominate the state, keeping temperatures well below freezing for now, but a much-needed warming trend is set to arrive by the weekend.
Residents across Michigan have been enduring bone-chilling lows in the single digits, with dangerous wind chills making it feel even colder. Some areas in the Upper Peninsula have even dipped below zero. But by the time we reach Saturday and Sunday, temperatures will climb above freezing, giving Michiganders a small but welcome break from winter’s harshest conditions.
How Cold Will It Get Before the Warm-Up?
The bitter cold isn’t done just yet. Here’s what to expect in key cities across Michigan:
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Tuesday, February 18
- Detroit: High of 17°F (-8°C), low of 2°F (-16°C).
- Grand Rapids: High of 17°F (-9°C), low of 7°F (-14°C).
- Marquette: High of 12°F (-11°C), low of 9°F (-13°C).
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Wednesday, February 19
- Detroit: High of 21°F (-6°C), low of 13°F (-10°C).
- Grand Rapids: High of 21°F (-6°C), low of 14°F (-10°C).
- Marquette: High of 17°F (-8°C), low of 14°F (-10°C).
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Thursday, February 20
- Detroit: High of 24°F (-5°C), low of 13°F (-10°C).
- Grand Rapids: High of 25°F (-4°C), low of 16°F (-9°C).
- Marquette: High of 20°F (-7°C), low of 9°F (-13°C).
By Friday, February 21, temperatures will start climbing as a new system brings in slightly warmer air.
- Detroit: High of 29°F (-2°C), low of 17°F (-8°C).
- Grand Rapids: High of 29°F (-2°C), low of 20°F (-7°C).
- Marquette: High of 31°F (-1°C), low of 15°F (-10°C).
Weekend Warm-Up Brings Much-Needed Relief
Just in time for the weekend, Michigan will finally see above-freezing temperatures for the first time in a while.
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Saturday, February 22
- Detroit: High of 31°F (0°C), low of 18°F (-8°C).
- Grand Rapids: High of 30°F (-1°C), low of 25°F (-4°C).
- Marquette: High of 32°F (0°C), low of 22°F (-6°C).
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Sunday, February 23
- Detroit: High of 35°F (2°C), low of 30°F (-1°C).
- Grand Rapids: High of 35°F (2°C), low of 30°F (-1°C).
- Marquette: High of 35°F (2°C), low of 26°F (-4°C).
While this won’t feel like spring, compared to the Arctic blast we’ve been dealing with, it will feel like a major improvement.
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
- Extreme Frostbite Risk – With wind chills near -20°F (-29°C), exposed skin can freeze in as little as 30 minutes. Dress in layers, wear gloves and hats, and cover all exposed skin.
- Dangerous Travel Conditions – Black ice is a major concern, especially during the early morning and late-night hours when temperatures are at their lowest. Take it slow on the roads.
- Frozen Pipes and Heating Risks – The extreme cold increases the risk of frozen pipes. Keep a slow drip running on your faucets overnight to prevent them from bursting. Be cautious when using space heaters and never leave them unattended.
- Power Outage Potential – With frigid temperatures straining energy demand, some areas could see scattered power outages. Charge your devices and have an emergency heating plan in place.
Final Thoughts
Michigan is not out of winter’s grip just yet, but the end of this brutal cold snap is in sight. If you can push through a few more days of frigid mornings and icy nights, you’ll be rewarded with milder conditions this weekend. It won’t be tropical, but after a week of single-digit temperatures, above freezing will feel like a heatwave.
