(WWJ) - Winter came roaring into the new year with several rounds of storms that brought snow and subzero temperatures to Michigan-- and while a warm up is coming, forecasters warn it will also bring ice and freezing rain potential to Metro Detroit.
After days of dangerously cold temperatures, AccuWeather meteorologists said a welcome relief is on the way with Sunday (Jan. 21) forecasted to see daytime highs into the 20s, a nearly 40 degree difference from the -19F wind chills that blew through cities in Southeast Michigan this week.
On Monday, temperatures will climb further still into the 30s, but struggle to get above freezing -- that combined with an upcoming weather pattern could bring a messy winter mix with fog, ice, rain and snow to Metro Detroit.
"The greatest wintry concern for next week will be for travelers in the Midwest and Northeast," AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore said on Saturday, stating ice concerns will begin affecting southern Plains Sunday night into Monday before inching up into the Great Lakes region.
As seen in previous storms, weather experts says it's hard to predict exactly what precipitation will fall in Metro Detroit communities due to battling temperatures, but "the effects of the cold ground combined with cold air putting up more resistance will lead to more wintry troubles."
Ice and freezing rain cannot be ruled out entirely while areas further south could see an icy build up on roads and sidewalks due moist air going over cold ground, producing fog, low clouds or "ground sweat" that will dampen surfaces and freeze, AccuWeather said.
In Mid to Lower Northern Michigan, several inches of snow is forecasted to fall with accumulations potentially reaching 3-6 inches. A dusting to 3 inches could fall in the northern communities of Oakland, Monroe, Livingston and St. Clair counties.
But again, that depends on if Mother Nature decides the temperature remains below 32F.
The National Weather Service in Detroit had the same predictions, stating there is a slight chance of snow in the immediate area with increasing chances of a wintry mix overnight Monday into Tuesday.
Stay current on the latest weather updates on WWJ with Traffic and Weather Together on the :08s.