Northern Michigan Weekend Forecast: A Preview of Fall

A very autumnal weekend is expected for Northern Michigan as a strong cold front will cause temperatures to drop dramatically. Scattered lake-effect showers are likely, especially in the Upper Peninsula.

The cold front will move through the state on Friday, bringing unseasonably cold highs. In northern Lower Michigan and in places in the eastern half of the Upper Peninsula, highs are expected to be near 70 degrees. This includes places like Cadillac, Traverse City, Mackinaw City and Sault Ste. Marie. In places in the far eastern Lower Michigan, like Alpena, highs could be near 75 degrees.

In central areas of the Upper Peninsula, such as Munising, highs will be in the mid-60s. The coldest temperatures will be in the western half of the Upper Peninsula, where highs will not exceed 60 degrees. Inland areas, average temperatures will be in the mid-50s, with areas along the lakeshore a few degrees warmer.

Scattered lake-effect showers will develop Friday afternoon and last into Saturday night. They won’t be widespread, but most areas are likely to see at least some rain sometime between Friday and Saturday night.

Saturday will be the coolest day of the weekend, with highs in the mid-60s across much of northern Michigan. Localities in the far eastern Lower Peninsula could see temperatures reach 65 degrees. Scattered showers will continue, especially in the Upper Peninsula.

Strong winds will be felt on Friday and especially Saturday as the storm system leaves the area. Strong west-northwest winds with gusts up to 20 mph will be felt Friday afternoon, and gusts between 25 and 30 mph will be felt Saturday afternoon. Showers moving over the area will likely be accompanied by these stronger wind gusts.

Sunday looks more pleasant in terms of reasonable weather. High temperatures will be near or just above 70 degrees in most areas.

Lake-effect showers should clear by daybreak, so Sunday will be mostly cloudy. The best chances for sunshine are in the western parts of the Upper Peninsula, as clouds slowly move eastward during the day. Winds will continue to gust as high as 20 mph in the afternoon, so temperatures may feel a bit cooler than they actually are.

Overall, this weekend will feel more like late September than early August. If you’re headed to the beach, stay dry, as dangerous swimming conditions are expected.