Get ready, Detroit — winter is finally coming this weekend

A snowstorm is expected to bring 6-8 inches to metro Detroit this weekend

By Layla McMurtrie

Jan 11, 2024 at 12:54 pm

Image: Maybe we can finally go sledding.

Maybe we can finally go sledding. Shutterstock

Audio By Carbonatix

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We wanted a white Christmas, but at this point, we figured snow was never coming. It was literally close to 60 degrees in December, and for Michigan, that’s pretty wild.

Some people have been waiting and waiting for the snow to fall though, so if that’s you, it’s time to get excited. A winter storm is expected to bring 6-8 inches to metro Detroit this weekend.

The snow will come mostly during Friday afternoon and could accumulate before turning into rain in the evening. Saturday morning, the snow is expected to continue for accumulations of up to 2-4 inches, with a possible addition of another 1-3 inches through Saturday and Sunday.

The storms will be accompanied by dangerous winds as fast as 45 mph, followed by near zero-degree temperatures early next week. So if you’re in an area where the power goes out easily, it may be smart to get prepared.

The National Weather Service has put out a Hazardous Weather Outlook through Wednesday, Jan. 17 for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee, and St. Clair counties.

A snow day, or at least a “too cold” day, could definitely be possible for students and teachers.

Sledding and other snow-related activities will hopefully now be possible so you can finally enjoy some winter fun this season. If you don’t love the cold, just bundle up and watch some movies while viewing the pretty white snow from the warmth of your home.

In Michigan, you never know what you’re going to get. In a week or two it could feel like spring again, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Slideshow

30 reasons to love winter in metro Detroit

Head to Winter Blast No, a “winter blast” isn’t only what hits your face whenever you step outside these days. Downtown Detroit’s long-standing seasonal festival was moved to Royal Oak in 2021 due to what organizers blamed on “funding challenges,” and the wintry celebration returns to the suburb’s Centennial Commons (between Main and Troy Streets and 11 Mile Road and 3rd Street) from Friday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 19. Guests can go ice-skating in an outdoor rink, learn to ski, or take a ride down the snow slide or zip line. There will also be ice sculptures, kid-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and vendors, with warming zones and marshmallow roasting stations available. Admission is free and open to the public, and more information is available at winterblast.com. —Lee DeVito Editor's note: The Winter Blast was originally slated for Friday, Feb. 3 through Saturday, Feb. 5. Organizers postponed the festival two weeks due to impending weather.

Enjoy s’mores at Valade Park Valade Park on the Detroit riverfront is loaded with daily winter activities like sledding, oversized bonfires, s’mores, hot boozy and non-boozy drinks, food, and more. Every Saturday and Sunday from now through February, the park hosts wellness events like meditative walks, a dog pack meetup with Canine to Five, and hustle classes. There are also themed weekends like “Winter around the World” with an international food truck rally and performances, “Motown Love” with local vendors and an open mic, and “Mardi Gras.” Plus, all the events are free to attend. —Randiah Camille Green

Experience curling We have to admit, we became absolutely entranced by the strange sport of curling while watching the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where players slide stones across a sheet of ice toward a target, using tools to guide the stone’s movement by subtly altering the surface of the ice. Well, now we — and you — can try it out. A new $10 million facility called the HUB Stadium in Novi bills itself as the only place in Michigan for the general public to try curling. The 70,000-square-foot facility includes six curling sheets. The HUB Stadium is located at 44325 W. 12 Mile Rd., at the Fountain Walk mall. More information is available at novi.thehubstadium.com. —Lee DeVito

Try snowmobiling Michigan has more than 6,000 miles of trails for snowmobilers to enjoy. Haven’t yet had the pleasure? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced a free snowmobiling weekend on Feb. 11 and 12 where it is temporarily suspending the requirement for snowmobile registration and permits, the idea being to encourage experienced snowmobilers to bring along friends to try it out for the first time. (Just remember to please drive carefully!) —Lee DeVito

Stay in a warm cabin Escaping up north to a warm cabin in the middle of a snowy forest is one of the best things about living in Michigan in winter; extra points if the cabin has a hot tub, sauna, or indoor fireplace. There’s just something about leaving your everyday life behind for a rustic one (at least temporarily) that warms the soul, especially after a day of skiing or hiking. You don’t even have to go all the way to the Upper Peninsula to find a secluded cabin, although you totally should. Michigan State Parks like Brighton Recreation Area, Pinckney Recreation Area, and Bald Mountain offer affordable rustic cabins and yurts not too far from metro Detroit. You can reserve them through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, though the online booking system leaves much to be desired, so you may want to just call the park instead. You can also find everything from swanky shipping container homes to geodesic domes and classic chalets on Airbnb. —Randiah Camille Green

Rummage for a book from John King bookstore There’s nothing like cozying up to a good book in the winter, and there’s no place quite like John K. King Used & Rare Books in Detroit to find a good read. With more than 1 million books on multiple floors, you could spend an afternoon perusing the shelves. And the staff is super knowledgeable if you’re looking for recommendations. Chances are, you’ll leave with a box full of books and have reading material for the rest of the winter. —Steve Neavling

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About The Author

Layla McMurtrie

Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between the Lines, and Metromode, among other Michigan publications.