First snow of the season expected this week
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ALPENA -- The color change for leaves in Northeast Michigan is upon us, but Mother Nature has her mind on winter, as snow is in the forecast for Alpena this week.
The National Weather Service predicts snow showers for Northeast Michigan from Tuesday night through Thursday afternoon.
Unlike the Upper Peninsula, which is expecting as much as 12-18 inches of snow in some areas, the dusting of snow locally is not expected to accumulate, as a warm front is expected to move in late in the week.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Sean Christensen said people in the Alpena area can expect some light snow showers during the morning and night hours when temperatures dip into the mid to low 30s. Strong winds will push temperatures later, which will help produce the snow.
"There won't be much accumulation, but what you do get will be wet, heavy, and ugly," Christensen said.
A move south by the polar vortex is the main culprit for the snow, Christensen said. He said snow this early in the year is unusual, but not unheard of. He said the temperature of Lake Huron also is a contributing factor of the snowy forecast.
"It is absolutely early, but it's not a once in a lifetime event," he said. "The cold air will move in and the lakes are still warm, so it creates perfect conditions."
As the week progresses, Christensen said things will become more mild. Temperatures will be in the upper 50s on Friday, and climb into the low to mid 60s Saturday through Tuesday.
"There will still be a chance of showers, but things will definitely be looking up," Christensen said. "The weather will be more mild and give people a chance to go out and finish any yeardwork they haven't done yet, or just spend time outside."
Last year there was no snow during the month of October, and there was not measurable snow until November 1, when a trace of snow was recorded on the ground at the Alpena County Regional Airport. The first significant snow to stick on the ground in 2021 was on Nov. 28 when 4.3 inches of snow was measured at the airport.
"It should still be a while before we get any snow of that amount," Christensen said. "But, it wouldn't be unprecedented to see something like that in the coming weeks."Any snow we get now usually is in the higher elevations, like in Gaylord."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.