Detroit, Michigan – Southeast Michigan is dealing with a messy and fast-changing winter setup this weekend, beginning with icy conditions Friday, transitioning to rain on Sunday, and ending with another round of snow as colder air returns before the start of 2026.
Drivers woke up Friday morning to slick windshields and glazed roads as light freezing rain fell on cold pavement. Side streets, overpasses, and untreated sidewalks turned hazardous quickly, creating difficult travel conditions across the region just as holiday traffic increases.
Freezing rain creates dangerous travel today
According to the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through late Friday afternoon. Periods of freezing rain mixed with sleet and snow are producing ice accumulations of one to two tenths of an inch, enough to cause slipping and sliding even at low speeds. Some locations may also pick up around one inch of snow or sleet.
The highest risk areas include Detroit, Ann Arbor, Pontiac, and Flint, along with major travel corridors such as I-75, I-94, and I-96. Road crews are actively treating highways, but untreated surfaces, entrance ramps, and neighborhood roads remain especially slick.
Officials urge drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking. Pedestrians should also use caution, as sidewalks and parking lots can be just as dangerous as roadways.
Temperatures may briefly rise this afternoon
Air temperatures hover close to the freezing mark through midday before slowly climbing later in the afternoon. In areas closer to the Ohio border, precipitation may briefly switch to plain rain. Even where that happens, lingering slush and ice could refreeze after sunset as temperatures dip again, recreating slick spots overnight.
Friday night is expected to be quieter in terms of precipitation, but colder air will settle back in.
Short break Saturday before rain returns
Saturday brings a brief pause in active weather. Skies remain mostly cloudy, with afternoon highs near the mid-30s, allowing crews time to improve road conditions. While not perfectly dry everywhere, Saturday offers the best travel window of the weekend.
Late Saturday night, conditions begin to change again as warmer air pushes north.
Rainy and mild Sunday with flooding concerns
Rain chances increase overnight and continue through much of Sunday. Temperatures climb sharply, reaching near 50 degrees, causing widespread melting of existing ice and snow. Roads will be wet rather than icy for most of the day, but standing water may develop in low-lying areas and poor drainage spots.
Travel conditions improve overall compared with Friday, though visibility may drop at times during heavier rain.
Snow and flash freezing possible Sunday night into Monday
Another sharp shift arrives Sunday night. As colder air surges back into southeast Michigan, rain may change to snow, accompanied by gusty winds and falling temperatures. Wet roads could flash-freeze, especially where water pools remain from Sunday’s rain.
Monday looks wintry again, with snow likely and breezy conditions making it feel colder than temperatures suggest.
Looking ahead to early 2026
As New Year’s week begins, southeast Michigan settles into a colder, more seasonable pattern. Snow chances may linger early in the week, and overnight lows could drop into the teens, reinforcing a true winter feel heading into 2026.
Five-day outlook for Detroit
Today: Freezing rain and snow, high near 36°F
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 35°F
Sunday: Rain, much warmer, high near 50°F
Monday: Snow likely, windy, high near 40°F
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and colder, high near 29°F
Drivers are encouraged to monitor local forecasts closely and allow extra travel time, especially today and again Sunday night.
Planning to travel during this weekend’s weather swings? Share what road conditions look like where you are in the comments below.
