Words of the day: "Cold" and "snowy!" We'll throw "windy" in there for an honorable mention. Behind this next system lies the coldest air mass of the season so far.
Friday's low pressure system brought several inches of snow to much of the UP. Normally when a system passes, winds shift out of the north for a while with some lake effect snow and colder temperatures until the next system arrives. This time, however, the next system is right on its heels so we didn't get very cold Friday night at all.
A south wind is making Saturday feel mild as far as temperatures go, but it will not last. Highs will be in the low 30s. Scattered snowfall should continue as it passes with some accumulation around Upper Michigan, but more snow along Lake Superior with a few inches, and even more in the north northwest wind snow belts where they could see more than a foot of snow through Sunday.
As this system passes, temperatures will quickly drop to the single digits Saturday night. By then, snow will have transitioned to lake effect under a north northwest wind. Winds will be very strong with gusts that could exceed 50 mph, bringing wind chill to well below zero degrees. Blowing snow will also reduce visibility. Those outside for the Heikki Lunta fireworks in Negaunee better dress warmly!
The National Weather Service has several Lake Effect Snow Advisories and Warnings in effect along Lake Superior through Monday.
Sunday will be the first really cold day with highs near 10. Winds may still be gusty, but they will become progressively lighter. Lows will be well below zero in most areas away from the lakes. Lake effect snow will continue.
In fact, lake effect snow will likely continue through Wednesday and perhaps Thursday when the next low pressure system should roll through. The persistent north and northwest wind will keep it very cold, especially on Monday and Tuesday with highs in the single digits. It may be better to stay inside on those days if possible.
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