Big Powderhorn

...Dangerous Winter Conditions Setting in on Thursday and Continuing for Much of Next Week... A strong arctic cold front sweeping across the area Thursday will be the beginning of a long duration period of very cold conditions that will likely feature three surges of bitter cold air over the next week. For much of Upper Michigan, high temperatures Friday through at least the middle of next week will generally not be any higher than the single digits above zero with nighttime lows mostly between 5 below and 20 below zero. Temperatures will be even lower on any clear nights with light winds. High temperatures on a few days may not rise above zero over portions of Upper Michigan. Wind chill readings will frequently range from 15 below to 30 below zero. As the first arctic front passes Thursday, expect a period of heavy lake effect snow across much of the Lake Superior snow belts, followed by northwest winds gusting to 25 to 40 mph and falling temperatures. As the arctic air flows into the area, snowflake size will become small and extremely effective at reducing visibility. Along with the blowing snow, frequent white-out conditions will become likely in the Lake Superior snow belts during the day Thursday. Dangerous travel conditions will likely occur between Marquette and Munising Thursday afternoon and Thursday night. Across much of the west half of Upper Michigan, temperatures Thursday will fall to zero or below zero by late afternoon with wind chill readings down to 15 below to 25 below zero. Another surge of even colder air will arrive Saturday night with a third surge of bitter cold air possible during the middle of next week. Lake effect snow will occur in the Lake Superior snow belts whenever the winds are onshore. Although the cold air will prevent significant snow accumulations, the light, powdery snow will lead to very poor visibility and frequent white-out conditions during periods of even moderate winds. This type of snow will also be easily whipped up on the roads, leading to white-out conditions for short distances behind vehicles on the highways. Make any necessary preparations now for this expected long duration period of very cold conditions. Be aware that dangerous travel conditions will occur at times in the Lake Superior snow belts Thursday through at least the middle of next week. Make sure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle if traveling.