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Rain moves in late Wednesday; Arctic blast Christmas Eve

A few flurries passing through the U.P. this evening might clip the Tip of the Mitt. Otherwise, we’ll see cloudy skies overnight in Northeast (Lower) Michigan. The main part of the incoming storm system, currently traveling across the Upper Plains, will arrive in our area late Wednesday.

Rain will move in Wednesday early-evening with warm temperatures getting into the lower 40s. Then a cold front will move across the area, ushering a blast of Arctic air Christmas Eve. Temperatures will fall into the 30s Thursday predawn, then into the 20s midday. Any rain or any melting on Wednesday will refreeze Thursday with dropping temperatures, so be aware of icy spots on untreated roadways and surfaces. A few scattered snow showers will be possible Thursday, the greatest chances will be in the afternoon and evening.

The overall setup on Wednesday: A low pressure system moving east out of the Upper Plains will end up near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. East of the low pressure center, winds out of the south will bring warm temperatures and some rain will move in ahead of the cold front. On the other side of the cold front, winds will shift direction out of the west, bringing in much colder air.

Wednesday: Evening rain moves in, brisk winds from the south at 15-20 mph. Predawn temperatures will be rising into the lower 30s. Afternoon highs will reach about 44 degrees. Evening temperatures will remain warm (prior to midnight) in the lower 40s.

Thursday (Christmas Eve): Temperatures crash hard, a chance of scattered snow showers mainly in the afternoon-evening. Predawn temperatures will drop to the lower 30s. Afternoon temperatures will head into the lower/middle 20s.

Friday (Christmas Day): Remains cold with a chance of lake effect snow showers. Morning temperatures will go into the middle teens. Afternoon highs will be near 21 degrees. Evening temperatures will be in the upper teens.

For the rest of Northeast Michigan’s weather forecast, watch the latest weather video by clicking the weather tab at the top of the page.