Marquette, MI – A fresh round of winter weather is set to sweep across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula beginning Saturday afternoon, with the National Weather Service issuing a Winter Weather Advisory for multiple counties as lake-effect snow and gusty winds move in.
The first widespread post-Thanksgiving snow event is expected to bring several inches of accumulation, slippery roads, and periods of reduced visibility. Snow will begin developing from early afternoon through early evening and continue into Sunday.
What Forecasters Are Warning About
The National Weather Service in Marquette reports that snow is likely between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, lingering through 1 p.m. Sunday. The advisory covers Marquette, Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Menominee, Luce, and Schoolcraft counties, where most locations are expected to receive 3 to 5 inches of snow.
Higher elevations in Marquette County may pick up up to 7 inches as lake-effect bands intensify.
Winds could gust up to 35 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow that limits visibility—especially overnight when temperatures fall below freezing.
Travel Conditions Expected to Worsen
Drivers across the Upper Peninsula should prepare for periods of hazardous travel throughout Saturday night and Sunday morning. Forecasters warn that roads could become snow-covered and slick as temperatures drop, increasing the risk of spin-outs and slow-downs.
Travel trouble spots include:
- U.S. 2
- M-28
- I-75
These corridors are particularly prone to shifting lake-effect bands capable of reducing visibility within minutes.
Lake-Effect Snow May Create Sharp Weather Differences
Meteorologists caution that lake-effect snow is highly variable. Some neighborhoods may see only light snow, while areas just a few miles away may experience near-whiteout conditions. Sudden drops in visibility could make driving difficult for even short trips.
The advisory is expected to affect:
- Evening commutes
- Early-morning weekend travel
- Outdoor activities across the U.P.
What This Means for the Weekend Weather Pattern
This system marks the first major weekend snow event of the post-Thanksgiving period, signaling that early-December weather is already taking on a more wintry pattern. Residents across the Upper Peninsula may see additional rounds of lake-effect snow over the coming week.
The National Weather Service says residents should stay alert for updates as conditions can change quickly during lake-effect events.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
To stay safe during changing winter conditions, officials recommend:
- Reducing speed when visibility drops
- Allowing extra time for travel
- Keeping headlights on during snowfall
- Maintaining extra distance from other vehicles
- Watching for drifting snow on rural roads and open stretches
Residents can find the latest advisory details on the National Weather Service Marquette page, which continues to monitor shifting snow bands and gusty winds across the region.
Community Reminder
If you live in an advisory zone or plan to travel this weekend, prepare for fast-changing conditions and monitor local forecasts. Share your travel conditions and weather experiences in the comments below.
