Metro Detroit Weather: Rain, Snow and Accumulating Ice

METRO DETROIT — Although spring started last week, a wintry mix will hit the metro area Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as temperatures plunge to near freezing levels, making for ice and dangerous driving conditions during Wednesday's morning commute, meteorologists said.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory that goes into effect at 8 p.m. Tuesday, as a burst of snow will make its way into the area west of U.S. 23 by 8 p.m. and then spread across metro Detroit, particularly the region's northern suburbs.

Toward the midnight hour, snow and freezing rain is expected to start falling in metro Detroit, eventually accumulating into ice as temps fall to near or below freezing late Tuesday and overnight, the National Weather Service warned.

Overall, most of the metro Detroit can expect a tenth to a quarter of an inch of ice and an inch of snow by 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. The National Weather Serviced warned roads will slippery and dangerous, and encouraged drivers to watch their speeds during the morning commute.

Although Wednesday morning will start with snowy and icy conditions, Wednesday high in the metro Detroit area is expected to reach the 60s in the afternoon, making for more spring like conditions, meteorologists said.

But stronger winds and rain come with Wednesday's warmer temperatures in metro Detroit, as by the evening hours winds could reach up to 34 miles per hour with rain showers. The rain is expected to last into Thursday morning before afternoon highs reach the mid 50s, meteorologists said.

Things finally calm down by Friday, when the wet weather finally gives away to sunny and dry conditions. However, afternoon highs Friday are only expected to reach the mid 40s, meteorologists said.