Chances for White Christmas, Power-Interrupting Winds in Metro Forecast

A white Christmas in the Detroit metro is still looking iffy, and any snow that does fly is expected to amount for just a dusting, according to forecast models.

The biggest worry in metro Detroit is rising wind speeds and gusts Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that could knock out power, WDIV-TV reports.

WDIV-TV meteorologist Andrew Humphrey warns the transition from rain to snow and falling temperatures could mean some slippery roads on Christmas morning.

If you’re traveling to western Michigan, lake-effect snow and snow squalls on Christmas Eve could cause a problem as colder air moves into the state. Travel in the Northeast could be tricky, too, with a system stretching from the Washington, DC-Baltimore area through New York and New England expected to bring heavy rains and strong damaging winds.

If you’re traveling by air, be sure to call airlines within 24 of departure to check on weather delays. FlightAware is a good source for online tracking of flights.

Related:

• What Christmas Travel Forecast Means to You

The work week in metro Detroit starts with some brief glimpses of sunshine, but after that, take your umbrella with you as you go to work or take care of last-minute shopping errands. There are chances of rain Tuesday and Wednesday, and the sun isn’t expected to make an appearance through Sunday.

Here’s the Detroit metro forecast for the week ahead from the National Weather Service:

Monday and Monday night: Partly sunny, with a high near 39. East wind 5 to 9 mph. Showers likely Monday night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. East southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tuesday and Tuesday night: High near 48. South wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible; 70 pecent chance of showers overnight, low around 47, southwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Christmas Eve: 80 percent chance of showers, high near 50; 60 percent chance of how showers likely Wednesday night, cloudy, with a low around 34 and breezy. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Christmas Day and Christmas Night: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Breezy; mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 33.

Friday and Friday night: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42; continued mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 29.

Saturday and Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33 and an overnight low round 22.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy again, with a high near 30.

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