Where's winter? Metro Detroiters exchange snow gear for golf clubs as December warm-up brings 50 degree temperatures
But Winter is forecasted to come howling in on Monday with fierce winds and snow showers
METRO DETROIT (WWJ) - Michigan is experiencing it's warmest run-up to the winter season in nearly a decade as highs creep up into the 50's on Friday, experts say.
AccuWeather meteorologist Joe Lundberg said Metro Detroit will see sunshine with a mix of clouds, but it will feel more like October than December as temperatures are forecasted to reach 53°.
Experts say the strong El Niño phase of ENSO can be to blame for the stretch of mild weather that has so far produced very little snow for Southeast Michigan.
Saturday highs will get up to 49°, possibly hitting 50 before Sunday showers cools the listening area off to 46°, Lundberg added. While Michigan has seen its fair share of warm weather for this time of year, having a stretch of it over a course of days is unusual.
"Such temperatures are as much as 10 degrees above the historical average for mid-December," AccuWeather added.
Golf courses in the area are open to guests wishing to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather.
Glenhurst Golf Course in Redford Township on Six Mile, east of Beech Daly, Rackham Golf Course in Huntington Woods near the Detroit Zoo and Hilltop Golf Course in Plymouth are all open Friday, December 15.
But, Metro Detroiters shouldn't put all their snow gear completely away.
While Michigan will dodge a second significant storm poised to strike the East Coast on Sunday into Sunday night, Lundberg said the northern winds will start howling on Monday as it brings temperatures down into the 30s and increasing chances of snow showers.
"Winds across the Great Lakes on Monday as the storm exits could be strong enough to blow around holiday decorations," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty. "Because of that, homeowners may want to make sure outdoor decorations are secure."
Wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph are possible from Sunday through Monday night, especially immediately downwind of the Great Lakes. In addition to yard decorations, the strong gusts could bring down tree limbs and cause power outages.
"The combination of the drop in temperature and some frozen precipitation can make travel tricky as early as the Monday evening commute in Michigan, including the Detroit metropolitan area," AccuWeather warned. "Roads and sidewalks will turn slippery, and visibility can drop due to windswept snow as temperatures tumble below freezing."
The wintery weather is expected to last for only 24 to 36 hours before quiet and mild conditions move back in.
"The cold will be short-lived, as temperatures return to or even above historical averages by the middle and end of the new week," said Douty.
