Traverse City, a place known for its stunning Great Lakes vistas, is bracing for a week of decidedly un-summery weather. If you're planning any outdoor adventures or just need to know what to expect when you step out the door, it's wise to keep a close eye on the sky.
Looking at the marine forecast for the 4NM NNW area, Tuesday is shaping up to be a bit blustery. We're seeing highs around 4°C with winds from the southwest at 25 km/h, though they could gust up to 50 km/h. There's a Small Craft Advisory in effect, so boaters should exercise caution. The evening brings a significant drop, with lows dipping to -8°C and winds shifting to the north-northwest at a brisk 35 km/h. A Gale Warning is posted for Tuesday night, signaling potentially rough conditions on the water.
Wednesday continues the theme of brisk winds and colder temperatures. The high will struggle to reach -5°C, with northerly winds at 35 km/h. The Gale Warning persists, and the water temperature forecast is still experimental, but air temperatures will be quite chilly. Wednesday night mirrors the day, with lows around -8°C and those persistent northerly winds.
As we move into Thursday, there's a slight moderation. The high will be around -3°C, with winds shifting to the southwest at a more manageable 15 km/h. Conditions are expected to be calmer, with waves less than 1 meter. Thursday night sees lows around -6°C with southerly winds at 20 km/h.
Friday offers a small reprieve, with highs climbing to -1°C. Southerly winds will continue at 20 km/h. Friday night will see lows around -5°C, with winds shifting to the west-northwest at 15 km/h.
Saturday brings another dip in temperature, with highs around -4°C and westerly winds at 15 km/h. Throughout this period, the marine forecast indicates waves generally staying below 1 meter, but the wind warnings are a significant factor.
Shifting our focus inland to Traverse City proper, the picture is also quite wintry. As of early Tuesday, the temperature is a frigid -9°C with snow showers. The 'feels like' temperature is even colder, around -17°C. While snowfall amounts haven't been significant in the past 24 hours, the forecast suggests less than 2 cm in the next 6 to 12 hours, and around 2 cm in the next 24 hours. The wind is blowing at 18 km/h, and humidity is at 67%.
Looking at the extended forecast for Traverse City, Tuesday afternoon is expected to be mostly cloudy with a high near 37°F (around 3°C). Tonight, rain is likely after 1 am, mixing with freezing rain after 5 am, with a steady temperature around 32°F (0°C). Sunday brings more rain, with highs around 40°F (4°C). Sunday night, expect showers turning to rain and snow mix, with lows around 23°F (-5°C).
Monday is forecast to be a day of heavy snow and blustery conditions, with highs around 31°F (-1°C). Monday night will see snow showers likely and blustery conditions, with lows around 19°F (-7°C).
Tuesday of the following week is predicted to be cloudy with snow showers likely, with highs around 25°F (-4°C). Tuesday night will continue with snow showers likely, lows around 18°F (-8°C).
Wednesday rounds out the extended forecast with snow showers likely and highs around 24°F (-4°C).
It's clear that Traverse City is in for a week of cold, windy, and potentially snowy conditions. Whether you're on the water or on land, staying informed about the weather is key to staying safe and comfortable.
