Detroit temperatures plunge 30 degrees from near-record high to freezing start

Metro Airport recorded 75 degrees on Tuesday, sitting just one degree below the record for that date. By Friday afternoon, the air had turned sharp and damp. The official high for the day was 50 degrees, but the temperature struggled to reach that mark. The shift was driven by cloud cover, chilly northwest breezes, and occasional showers.

The cold snap moved through the state with varying intensity. Communities in northern Michigan received their first measurable snow of the season. The Upper Peninsula saw the heaviest accumulation. Southeast of Mount Arvon in Baraga County, snow depths reached 3.5 inches. Champion and Herman in the same county recorded two inches. The National Weather Service office near Negaunee logged 1.5 inches.

Northern Lower Michigan experienced a mix of rain and light snow showers. The Metro Detroit area escaped the snow but took the colder air. Saturday will begin with a chilly start. Morning temperatures will hover in the 30s. Some inland communities may approach the freezing point. Early morning activities will require heavier coats and hats.

The cold will be most noticeable at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Michigan State travels to the Wolverines for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies. Temperatures will fall into the lower 40s during the evening game. Fans are advised to dress in layers. A winter coat, warm socks, and gloves are recommended to handle the brisk night air.

Conditions will improve slightly by Saturday afternoon. Highs will reach the lower 50s. Clouds will break to allow some sunshine. Northwest winds will blow at 10 to 15 mph with gusts near 20 mph. This wind will maintain a chilly feel despite the rising temperature.

Sunday offers a more pleasant outlook for outdoor activities. Temperatures in Metro Detroit will climb into the upper 50s and 60s. Skies will be mostly sunny. The Detroit Pistons host the Los Angeles Lakers at Little Caesars Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. A hoodie or light jacket should suffice for the trip to the arena. Fans should bring an extra layer for the return trip. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s after the game. Southwest winds may gust between 25 and 30 mph, making the air feel cooler.

The warm trend is expected to continue into the start of next week. Monday should feature sunshine and highs in the upper 50s. Tuesday could see temperatures reach the lower 60s. This would be several degrees above the typical average for early November. The mostly dry weather pattern provides a break from the unsettled conditions of the previous few days. Wednesday is Veterans Day. Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the mid-50s under partly sunny skies. Those attending morning events should keep a jacket handy. Temperatures will start considerably cooler. A new weather pattern is set to bring another cooldown during the second half of next week. Highs will fall into the upper 40s by Thursday and Friday.