We have another calm day today. We will see a weak cold front moving through today with little or no snow with the exception of weak snow showers well up north. Our best chance of snow of the winter’s last gasp will come late Friday into Saturday though to me it doesn’t look very significant at this time. Any snow we do get will be gone as spring temps rise into the 40s then 50s as we get into next week.
Yesterday’s high was 40° and the low was 30°.
Weather History for SW Michigan
March 6
1956: Severe thunderstorms moved across Lower Michigan ahead of a strong cold front. A tornado destroyed five barns and unroofed homes in North Blendon and Bauer in Ottawa County.
March 7
1908: After heavy snow in February, heavy rains and warmer conditions set in, setting the stage for a disastrous flood. The Kalamazoo River flooded the town of Albion when the Homer Dam broke around 3 p.m. By midnight, the bridges surrounding town were underwater. Six buildings in Albion collapsed.
1999: Arctic air and several inches of fresh snow on the ground combine to drop temperatures to a record low of 13 below zero at Lansing.
2000: Temperatures reach the 70s during a record early season warm spell. Grand Rapids hits 72 degrees and Lansing 74 degrees.
March 8
1943: Grand Rapids plummets to 13 below zero, the coldest ever recorded in March there. This caps a very cold period during the first ten days of the month, where four days had lows at or below zero at Grand Rapids.
2000: Temperatures soar into the upper 70s across Lower Michigan, with some places hitting 80 degrees. The 78 degrees at Grand Rapids is a record high for the date and for so early in the season.
2014: Severe and prolonged cold weather during the winter brought record ice coverage to Lake Michigan by early March. Ice coverage peaked at 93.29 percent on this date, just edging the record of 93.1 percent set in the winter of 1977.
2017: A powerful low-pressure center moving through southern Canada brings winds gusting over 60 mph across Lower Michigan for much of the day. Winds reach 64 mph at Grand Rapids. The winds cause millions of dollars in damage and large-scale power outages. Two people are killed when a tree falls on their vehicle while they were driving on M-115 in Clare County.
March 9
1996: Record subzero cold grips Lower Michigan with Grand Rapids and Lansing falling to 7 below zero and Muskegon hitting 6 below.
1998: Arctic air plunges across the Great Lakes after one of the warmest winters on record. The above normal water temperatures contribute to heavy lake effect snow squalls that produce blizzard conditions. From 8 to 12 inches of snow is piled into deep drifts by winds gusting over 40 mph.
March 10
1901: An ice storm across southwest Lower Michigan caused thousands of dollars in damage, and paralyzed telephone, telegraph, news wires and railroads. Streams were swollen as rain fell onto frozen ground, resulting in many washouts and accidents. Similar conditions were also reported for St. Joseph, Grand Haven, Ionia, Coldwater and Kalamazoo.
1993: A snowstorm drops 6 to 8 inches of snow across southwest Lower Michigan. Record daily snowfall includes 6.2 inches at Grand Rapids and 6.4 inches at Muskegon.
March 11
1948: Arctic air prevails with high temperatures in the teens and low temperatures near zero. Muskegon sets a record low of 2 degrees.
March 12
1976: A tornado outbreak struck from Michigan to Alabama. At least four tornadoes hit Michigan with nine people injured. Two tornadoes hit Jackson County, with damage to several homes and businesses. One person was injured in Ottawa County as a tornado moved from north of Holland to north of Hudsonville.
Weather History for SE Michigan
March 6
On March 6, 1960, the overnight temperature dropped to -6 degrees in Flint, which is the record low temperature for the day. Curiously enough, the very next year, in 1961, the daytime temperature rose to 64 degrees, setting the record high temperature for the day!
March 7
On March 7, 2000, the temperature rose to 75 degrees in Flint and 73 degrees in Saginaw. These are the earliest 70 degree days recorded in the cities of Flint and Saginaw!
March 8
On March 8, 2018, long-duration accumulating snow came to an end as a slow-moving storm moved through the region. When it was finally over, accumulations approached one foot in Huron, Lapeer, and Sanilac Counties. Peak measurement of 14″ was taken in Cass City in Tuscola County.
Also on March 8, 2017, ideal high wind conditions took shape under perfectly sunny skies. Strong winds developed early Wednesday morning and intensified steadily into the afternoon. Widespread wind gusts in excess of 60 mph were recorded, including 68 mph in Detroit and Saginaw and 61 mph in Flint. The power outage footprint grew steadily through the day eventually leaving approximately 1,160,000 customers statewide without power. Final estimates indicate approximately half a billion dollars in damage.
Also on March 8, 2000, the temperature rose to 80 degrees in Flint, a record for the date and a tie for the 5th warmest maximum temperature for the month of March in Flint.
March 9
On March 9, 2002, A very strong cold front moved across southeast Michigan during the late afternoon hours of the 9th. A line of showers developed along the cold front. Very strong winds and brief heavy rain were associated with these showers. Behind the line of showers, powerful winds brought much colder air into the region. A low-pressure system, which moved across the northern Great Lakes during the afternoon of the 9th, strengthened during the evening as it moved northeast of the region. This allowed the strong winds to continue into the early morning hours of the 10th. In addition to the winds, temperatures dropped from readings in the 50s during the early afternoon of the 9th, to the 20s by late evening. Wind gusts measured between 60 and 70 MPH affected southeast Michigan during the passage of the cold front. Winds as high as 50 to 60 MPH continued into the night.
Hundreds of trees, power lines, and utility poles were blown down across southeast Michigan. Falling trees caused damage to several homes throughout the region. High winds also tore roofing material and siding off of many homes and businesses including Bentley High School in Burton and Ida Elementary in Monroe. A few cars were also struck by falling trees and branches. An estimated 180,000 homes and businesses across southeast Michigan lost power due to many powers lines being blown down.
Also on March 9, 1987, the greatest 24-hour temperature drop occurred in Detroit. The temperature fell from 74 degrees on 3/8/87 at 3 pm in Detroit, to 23 degrees (a 51-degree drop) on 3/9/87 at 1 pm.
March 10
On March 10, 1992, 6.9 inches of snow fell with a winter storm that moved through Flint.
March 11
On March 11, 1946, the last snowfall of the 1946 season was recorded in Detroit and stands as the earliest date for the last snowfall in spring.
March 12
On March 12, 2014, a moisture-laden winter storm tracked across the area bringing a swath of 6 to 10 inches of snowfall to areas along and south of I-69. The heaviest band of snow fell roughly along the M59 corridor where 8 to 10 inches was observed. Driving conditions quickly deteriorated as gusty winds over 40 mph ushered in much colder air resulting in freezing and drifting of snow on area roads.
Also on March 12, 2012, thunderstorms produced a rare March tornado just southeast of the town of Coleman. Rated an EF1, it was tied for the second earliest tornado to be recorded in Southeast Michigan since 1950 and only the 10th March tornado on record. It would be the first of four to occur during the month.
Also on March 12, 2009, as a result of heavy rainfall between the 7th and 11th, flooding was observed on several rivers in Southeast Michigan. Three or more inches of rain fell across a good portion of southeast lower Michigan with the River Raisin basin getting hit the worst with 4 to 5 inches in that period. The flooding reached moderate flood stage on the Huron at Hamburg and the reach from Blissfield down to Monroe got to moderate to major flood stage. Dundee recorded its 3rd highest crest ever. Many roads and homes along the Raisin were flooded.
Forecast Discussion
- Snowfall amounts trending down for Thursday night Plenty of weather surrounding the region today, but not much going on overhead. A weak cold front will be dropping through today, but worst case scenario is some light snow showers up north. Having the more significant systems around the area, we are left in between with large scale subsidence and little to no moisture to work with. The front will drop south of the area by Thursday, with ridging building overhead. As mentioned above, the potential for snow and snowfall amounts have trended down a bit with the system for Thursday night and Friday morning. The ingredients are just not lining up well for the area to see significant snow. The main driving forces of this system is the RRQ of an upper jet streak to our north, and mid level fgen moving through. There is a mid level wave trying to move in, but it is shearing out as it approaches. The front that moves through today will push any moisture that tries to come north, well south of the area. The forcing will be enough to activate some precipitation, but the moisture will remain relatively paltry up this way. - Cold with multiple chances for pcpn over the weekend A better chance for snow showers will come later Friday with a strong wave diving SE toward the area, and early Saturday with lake effect chances. This wave is rather energetic, and is bringing a shot of fairly cold air by March standards as it has origins from well north up in the arctic. Once again, a lack of good and deep moisture will prevent significant pcpn from falling over the area. We will transition to more of a lake effect regime by Saturday morning as 850 mb temps are expected to drop to almost -20C. The flow is expected to be from the NNW, so the lake effect will be most concentrated near the lakeshore. Any good lake effect that gets going will be brief in nature as the strong upper wave is quick to move east of the area by Saturday afternoon. The upper flow goes anti-cyclonic fairly quickly, shutting down any lake effect that tries to organize. We will see a clipper system that zips SE toward Nrn MI by daybreak on Sunday. This system does not look to pose much of a threat to Central and Southern Lower being further North. In fact, the track of the low should bring strong SW flow to the area, helping to warm temps well into the 40s after the one cold day on Saturday. The interesting thing about this wave is that this sets up the upper flow such, that we actually stay mild and then warm up a bit early next week behind it as the cold air never makes it down here. - Increasingly warmer next week and relatively quiet The upper air pattern for the first half of next week will transition to a more zonal flow off of the Pacific, vs. coming from Canada. The Polar jet will retreat well north of the area, keeping the systems also north. We are looking at temps likely warming into the 50s toward Tuesday, and likely even warmer beyond this period as the flow becomes from the SW with a digging upper low over the SW U.S.
I am looking forward to the warmer temps in the forecast. It seems like everyday more things are waking up from a long winter. I love hearing the birds when I go out in the morning with the dog.
Mike thanks for fixing the Weather Planner . Today I clicked on it and my town popped up like it should. Made my day. Thanks again. 🙂
It’s funny to read the keyboard warriors back and forth about warm and cold!!! Somebody that deals with it professionally snowplowing and lawn care, for over 25 years and has to live by it. People just get excited about it I guess!! It just makes me want to be like Indy and drink more sprites lol!!!
A lot of comments for such a quiet weather day. Anyway, it was nice here today. The breeze was chilly but 45 with lots of sun. Lots of birds enjoying the day too. Our tree out back is budding, as well. I love the transitions – early spring and early autumn.
The comments here are almost unreadable anymore. If you are reading this blog, you love weather. Why does every comment need to be argued? It feels like Congress. To me, this has felt like a long winter…..Its been cold for along time…we have had snow on the ground for along time. We may not have had huge storms, but it seems like we have been inched to death. Mookie, I don’t need your data to tell me what to think…This winter has felt long to me and that’s how I feel. I am ready for spring and warmer weather. Enjoy… Read more »
You have some valid points. I guess some of us like the banter back and forth.
Lol yeah and u have to eat crow daily
The cold weather crazies better enjoy the last few days of winter here, big pattern change coming!!! We about to get pummeled with warm air!!!
Yes the snowmen are in for rough time!
Lol! They are!
Lots of back and forth on how bad or mild this past Winter was. For myself I need only to look at a few things to compare a Winter to previous ones. – How many times was the snowblower used? This past Winter, 3 whole times. Way below the average of 13 times over the past 35 years. – How many times was our business parking lot plowed? 7 times. Again, way below the average of 24 times over the past 35 years. – How much wood did we burn? (I use 8ft stacks) 9 stacks of wood. Well below… Read more »
Phew, today’s 2-week CPC is a blowtorch! Hello early summer!
Let it Spring!! Let it Spring!! Let it Spring!!
More delusions! Temps in the 40’s and maybe the 50’s are no where near actual summer temps! So no, not summer temps and maybe early spring temps if you are lucky! Ridiculous!
Slim, your “fact-based” data for measuring winter is also very subjective and misleading. For instance, are you looking at the entire winter season or meteorological winter? Are you looking at total snow fall or are you looking at biggest snowstorm event or number of days with 1″, 3″, or 6″ of snow on the ground or number of subzero temps? Are you looking at the duration of wintry periods with lots of snow or cold or simply the long-term means? My point is Grand Rapids could receive 67″ in one single day and get zero snow the rest of winter.… Read more »
What a load of BS! The fact is no matter if we have above average snowfall and below normal temps you will always say it was mild and not a serves winter! FACT from November through February GR has seen below normal temps! So even when try and use facts they are wrong!
Probably because you only cited a single data point… we’ve had a short duration winter with not many subzero temps, no huge blizzards, and below average snow.
The data points are wrong and skewered so the entire article is BS!
As has been the case for several years now there seems to be a lot of back and forth as to how 1° cold 2. snow 3. how long this current (past) winter as been. Well looking at this from fact based data for 1. For D/J/F the average is 26.9° this past winter the average was 26.4° so the past met winter was colder than average. Another way to look at it is what is called Growing Degree Days. The average number for November is 19 this last November there were just 4 For December the average is 1… Read more »
I think the problem is that this has been such an average winter that it is easy to argue either direction using different metrics. But overall, with all facts put together, this was about as normal of a winter as you can get in West Michigan. A bit cooler or warmer than average depending on your location, above/below average snowfall depending on your location, differences using astronomical/meteorological winter stats, etc.
See my post above. GR, Lansing, and Muskegon all experienced below-average winter seasons.
You are wrong!
Not my data, sorry
The data is slowest and their basis to call this a mild winter is a load is BS!
Get ready for another very cold weekend! Skiing here I come! Wow, just wow! What a winter!
LOL!!!!!
It’s been a fantastic winter at my house. I’m still waiting on the year when we can get an area wide blizzard like we did in 2011. That was incredible.
Oh ya, bring on the blizzard! We are due, so next year might be the year!
I can’t believe it’s been over a decade since our last true blizzard!! Just goes to show how things have changed in West Michigan. Crazy that the last few years have only had winter weather for January and February, then it’s done. I’m not complaining!!
7 or 8 week winters and then *poof* spring!
“Another” very cold weekend would imply that it’s been cold lately which is totally false. Last weekend was in the 60’s LOL
We are definitely due for another blizzard. We were due for some easier winters. The winters of 2013-2014..2014-2015 were pretty historic. I’ll never forget those winters.
I lived in Byron Center at the time and it seemed like it was bitterly cold and snowed almost everyday. Schools were closed a lot. Some just because of the wind chills of -40 to -50
We have had one great winter weekend after another for months on end! Last weekend was a little bump in the road and this weekend will be great again! Simply Incredible!
Even Woodtv is reluctantly bumping up their temp outlook for next week! Kirkwood is probably off sobbing in a corner somewhere.
Wow! But we were promised by a few on here that we were going to get pummeled with tons of snow and cold all throughout March?!
Snow until July they were saying!!
That forecast will change and by the end of next week it will be back to winter! Get ready!
More fake news!
https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/b4ea0280869baa46799dc75eacef8904785ec43ad2f6fb098355fbc208a55e2c
Well I just maybe putting the snow shovel away this weekend….I predicted 90 inches of snow in my area im sitting around 77 inches could end up with 80 or more thats a winter win for InDY one of the best Winters in years my frezzeer is full of fish just in time for Lent…InDzy
Grand Rapids is only at 67 inches
This was one of the best winters in several years here at my house.
Yep, my total for the season is 65 inches in Northern Kent County! Glad it is coming to an end!! On to gorgeous SPRING!!! BRING IT ON BABY!!!!! LETS GET ROCKIN!!
The only months you couldn’t golf in Michigan this year were January and February! Love that!
I hear ya!! Getting them ready to go out soon here in March!! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!
Rock on INDY! So far it has been a great winter for snow and cold! Let’s see a couple more snowstorms!
March has seen above average temps and below average snow. What could be better?
Get ready for big warmth next week… 50’s and 60’s!
+10000000!!
Get prepared now!! Wow to the WOW!!
Looks like some more spring like temperatures are on tap for next week. That will be a nice treat. Not a whole lot of snow it looks like on the next week or so, but we all know snow can extend even into late April. I was driving back from Alabama on April 20 last year and I was in the 70s all the way north to Louisville and by the time I got to Indianapolis it was 32 and snowing very heavily. Roads were snow covered. Many of the budding and flowering trees were weighed down by the snow.… Read more »
The overnight low here at my house was 22 the official overnight low at GRR was 24. At the current time it is partly cloudy and 30 here at my house. The only snow on the ground now is in shady areas and the old snow piles that have been here for most of the winter. After a cold weekend it looks to warm up next week as we see some nice early spring weather.
Slim