Warm Wednesday with sunshine; Snow arrives late Thursday

High temperatures Tuesday climbed several degrees above normal for early February. Temperatures got up to 30 degrees in Alpena, 35 degrees in Saginaw, Mich. and 36 degrees in Grand Rapids, Mich. Similar warmth is expected Wednesday.

The next storm system that will affect our area is currently moving over the northern Rockies. It will redevelop as it progresses eastward. Snow will begin in Northeast Michigan Thursday, during the late-afternoon to early-evening hours. Snow will come down steadily Thursday evening to predawn Friday. Early snow on Friday will taper to lighter flurries. 3-6 inches of snow are forecast across Northeast Michigan from the onset of snow Thursday until Friday afternoon.

A big blast of arctic air will follow behind the storm system late-week. High temperatures will reach the lower 30s Wednesday. Temperatures will rise to the middle 30s Thursday with a breeze from the south keeping the warmth in play. Friday, highs will reach the lower 30s around midday. Then gusty winds out of the west will lead to a sharp drop in temperatures. Much colder temperatures will move in late Friday and the cold weather will last into early next week. Highs over the weekend will be near 19 degrees Saturday and 15 degrees Sunday.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, increasing clouds late. Predawn temperatures will drop to about 12 degrees. Late-morning temperatures will rise to the lower 20s. Afternoon highs will be near 32 degrees. Evening temperatures will cool off to the 20s and upper teens.

Thursday: Snow arrives late-day. Morning temperatures will rise to the 20s. Afternoon highs will warm to around 35 degrees. Evening temperatures will hover in the lower 30s.

Friday: Morning snow will taper to flurries, also becoming windy. Morning temperatures will head into the upper 20s. Highs will be near 31 degrees midday. Evening temperatures will go into the lower 20s.