If you’ve been wondering why it still feels like jacket weather outside—you’re not imagining things. Despite the calendar inching toward Memorial Day weekend, Detroit is bracing for several more days of unseasonably chilly nights, with temperatures dipping as low as 39°F in surrounding areas and topping out in the low to mid-60s during the day.
But the cold isn’t coming alone. On and off showers will flirt with the region through Thursday, keeping things grey, soggy, and unpredictable. This isn’t the type of late May weather locals typically look forward to, and it’s putting a pause on any full-blown spring celebrations.
What You’re Dealing With This Week: Cold Mornings, Gray Skies, and Unwelcome Drizzle
Monday brought a taste of what’s to come: clouds dominated the skyline with daytime highs hovering near 63°F, followed by a stark nighttime drop into the low 40s. That same pattern sticks around all week. Daytime highs will tease the mid-50s to mid-60s, but overnight temps could feel more like late March, particularly in outlying areas like Auburn Hills, Brighton, and Sterling Heights, where upper 30s are possible.
Tuesday through Thursday, expect more of the same: clouds, damp air, and random spurts of rain that never seem to stick around for long, but make it hard to plan a picnic or afternoon stroll. The highs will range between 56°F and 66°F, and while these temps may not seem severe, the real discomfort comes from the wind and lack of sun, which make the air feel colder than it is. And let’s not forget: Detroiters are usually reaching for sunglasses and sunscreen by now, not hoodies and umbrellas.
Why It’s Happening: The Stubborn Jet Stream Trough
So what’s causing this chilly, drawn-out pattern?
Blame the jet stream—specifically, a large dip (known as a trough) that’s parked itself over the Great Lakes. This trough is allowing cold Canadian air to filter down into the Midwest, effectively blocking the kind of warm, southern air we typically enjoy this time of year. Normally, the jet stream straightens out and allows warmer weather to sweep in from the west, but in this case, the bend is stuck, keeping the region cool and unsettled for several days.
Meteorologists say these types of spring slowdowns aren’t unheard of, but they’re certainly not typical for late May, especially after several warm snaps teased us earlier in the month.
What This Means for You
If you’ve got plans to garden, hike, or host outdoor gatherings, you’ll need to pivot. This isn’t an all-day rain scenario, but the on-and-off drizzle and chill will make it tough to enjoy the outdoors for extended periods. Evening ball games, dog walks, or porch hangs are going to feel more like early April, especially with wind chills in the low 40s or colder.
Gardeners, in particular, should be cautious: newly planted vegetables and flowers can get stressed by repeated cold nights and damp soil. Consider covering sensitive plants or holding off on additional planting until this system passes.
For commuters, make sure to check your forecasts daily. Light rain and cloudy conditions can reduce visibility and make driving conditions slippery in short bursts, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.
Looking Ahead: When Will It Warm Back Up?
Relief may be on the horizon—but not immediately. By Friday, models suggest temperatures could begin a slow rebound, with highs inching back toward the upper 60s or low 70s. However, the atmosphere will remain unsettled, meaning showers may still linger into the weekend, albeit with a bit more sunshine peeking through.
June is likely to bring a more stable pattern, but for now, it’s safe to say spring is in a bit of an identity crisis over Michigan.
