Grand Rapids, MI – After a stretch of mild late-October weather, West Michigan is preparing for a shift back to cooler temperatures and scattered showers this weekend. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids says that rain will make a return on Saturday, followed by a clear and chilly start to the first week of November.
The Weather Pattern: Transition from Mild to Cool
Friday begins with gray skies and brisk air across much of western Michigan as the region transitions from Halloween’s mild weather into the cooler side of fall. The National Weather Service forecasts that Friday will remain partly sunny, with highs near 53°F, before clouds increase during the evening hours.
Winds will be steady at 10–15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, making it feel cooler than the actual air temperature. By Friday night, moisture will begin to move in from the southwest, setting the stage for scattered rain showers through the start of the weekend.
Saturday Forecast: Showers and Cooler Air Move In
Rain chances increase on Saturday afternoon, with forecasters expecting light to moderate rain to spread across the Grand Rapids, Holland, and Muskegon areas by evening.
“We’re looking at off-and-on rain through much of Saturday,” said a National Weather Service meteorologist. “It won’t be a washout, but some areas could see steady light rain, especially along I-96 and US-131 during the early evening.”
Daytime highs will reach the lower 50s, with temperatures dropping into the upper 30s overnight. Those traveling or attending outdoor events may want to keep umbrellas handy, as rainfall could linger into early Sunday morning before tapering off.
Sunday and Early Week Outlook: Brighter, Crisper Conditions
By Sunday, skies will begin to clear, bringing partly sunny and calm conditions to most of western Michigan. Temperatures will hover in the low 50s, but morning fog could form in low-lying areas, especially near rivers and lakes.
The improvement in weather will continue into Monday and Tuesday, with high pressure building over the Great Lakes. Highs will remain in the lower 50s, though mornings could feel chilly with temperatures dipping into the upper 30s.
Extended Forecast: First Snowflakes Possible by Next Weekend
Looking ahead, midweek sunshine is expected to return across much of Michigan, providing a brief break before a new system approaches. Long-range models from the National Weather Service suggest that a colder front could arrive late next week, potentially producing Michigan’s first measurable snowflakes of the season across northern counties, including Muskegon, Big Rapids, and areas farther inland.
While it’s too early for precise accumulation forecasts, forecasters say the pattern shift signals that winter’s arrival is near.
“As we turn the calendar to November, we typically see our first flakes within the first two weeks,” said the meteorologist. “The atmosphere is definitely trending colder.”
Background: Typical November Weather in Western Michigan
Historically, November marks the start of West Michigan’s active transition into winter, often bringing a mix of cold rain, lake-effect snow showers, and strong winds from the Great Lakes. Average high temperatures for early November range between 48°F and 52°F, with precipitation occurring nearly half the days of the month.
This year’s pattern appears to be following that trend, with alternating periods of rain and clearing skies, followed by brief cold snaps.
Conclusion
Residents across western Michigan should prepare for a damp Saturday followed by a crisp, bright Sunday and cooler conditions into next week. As November begins, the region’s first snow tease could arrive sooner than expected — a reminder that winter in Michigan is never far behind.
What do you think about Michigan’s weather shift this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
