West Michigan — The first snowflakes of the season are officially arriving across West Michigan this weekend, bringing a wintry mix of rain and snow before transitioning into the area’s first Lake Effect snow event of the season. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Cass and Berrien Counties from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening, where locally heavy Lake Effect Snow is expected.
Snow and Cold Air Move In
Meteorologists say significantly colder air will move across the Great Lakes starting Saturday night through Monday, setting up the conditions for snow showers to develop.
“That will set the stage for some snow mixing in with rain and then changing to all snow Saturday night into Sunday,” forecasters said.
Residents planning to travel late Saturday or early Sunday are advised to use caution, as slippery roads and reduced visibility could make driving hazardous.
What to Expect Saturday Night
By Saturday evening, a low-pressure system crossing Lake Michigan will begin to produce rain and snow showers, particularly near and south of Grand Rapids. As moisture streams inland and temperatures fall, the rain will transition to snow, creating the first measurable accumulation of the season.
Forecast models show the most likely snowfall of 1 to 3 inches, with isolated areas reaching 2 to 4 inches along the I-94 corridor. Areas south of Grand Rapids, including Allegan, Van Buren, Cass, and Berrien Counties, are expected to see the heaviest snow.
“Moisture from a low-pressure system moving across Lake Michigan will produce a few late evening rain and/or snow showers,” the forecast noted. “As the moisture continues to stream into the state and temperatures begin to drop off, we are likely to see snow mixing in with the rain.”
Sunday Morning Snow and Lake Effect Bands
By Sunday morning, temperatures will drop into the 30s, allowing snow to become more widespread. Highs during the day will hover just above freezing, with gusty winds contributing to wind chills in the upper teens and lower 20s.
The Snow Futurecast through Tuesday evening shows the first significant Lake Effect event of the season forming on the backside of the system. Snowfall totals are projected to be highest along western Van Buren, southwest Allegan, Cass, and Berrien Counties, with some bands capable of producing localized heavy snow.
“A Winter Storm Watch is set to go into effect Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for Berrien County through the foot of Lake Michigan,” meteorologists confirmed.
Forecast details were first reported by WOOD TV8 West Michigan Weather, noting that this pattern matches the region’s typical first snow timeline.
Seasonal Outlook and Average First Snow
Historically, the average first measurable snow (0.1 inch or more) for West Michigan occurs around November 8. This weekend’s arrival of flakes is right on schedule, signaling the official start of the cold-weather season.
Forecasters say while this system will bring a brief “winter chill,” it won’t last long.
“We expect to warm next week back into the mid and upper 40s,” meteorologists added.
As the first snow sets in, residents are urged to bundle up, monitor travel conditions, and prepare for quick shifts between rain, snow, and gusty winds.
What are your thoughts on this early taste of winter in West Michigan? Share your views in the comments below.
