160
FXUS63 KGRR 311735
AFDGRR
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
1235 PM EST Wed Dec 31 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Periods of Light Snow Next Few Days
&&
.UPDATE...
Issued at 1015 AM EST Wed Dec 31 2025
The expected break in snow shower activity since early this
morning will come to an end over the next several hours as a cold
front approaches the region and upper troughing digs in. Upstream
observations across northern and central WI indicate 1-2 miles in
light snow along and behind the cold front. As this upper lift and
surface front move over Lake Michigan, snow showers will intensify
in our region this afternoon as deeper moisture and lift within
and below the DGZ occurs. Currently thinking the heaviest snow
showers will fall in a triangular region from Holland to Kalamazoo
and over to South Haven from mid afternoon through tonight, where
high resolution model guidance is indicating potential for
additional 2"-4" with isolated higher amounts of 5"-6" possible.
Elsewhere, 1"-2" is likely into tonight with the standard
disclaimer of variable amounts depending on band placements.
In addition to US 31 along the lakeshore, travel conditions
especially along I-196 from southern Ottawa down to Van Buren and
also I-94 from the lakeshore through Kalamazoo County will likely
have the greatest impacts with steadier snow showers and also
areas of blowing snow with wind gusts of 25-35 mph. Plan on
delayed travel times starting later this afternoon and especially
this evening.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 258 AM EST Wed Dec 31 2025
- Periods of Light Snow Next Few Days
Typical winter weather into next week with no big storms but a
few clippers in fast northwest flow that will bring light snow.
The next one comes in this afternoon with some lake enhancement
to the light synoptic snows and a general 1 to 3 inches by the
time the snow tapers off Thursday morning.
Light lake effect snow could flare up again Thursday evening as a
weak shortwave trough moves through but inversion heights are
below 5 kft and any accumulations should be less than an inch.
Snow is possible again late Sunday into Monday as another clipper
moves through, but the timing and track is uncertain given the
fast flow regime.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 1235 PM EST Wed Dec 31 2025
Snow starting to work into West Michigan will bring IFR and LIFR
visibilities and ceilings to terminals for much of the first 3-6
hours of the TAF period. Gusty winds should result in some blowing
snow as well which could impact visibilities even when snow
showers exit. Ceilings and visibilities are expected to improve
quickly after 00z with breezy winds persisting through 06z or
later. Some MVFR ceilings could persist through the end of the TAF
period.
&&
.GRR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MI...Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM EST Thursday for MIZ037-038-
043-044-050-056-057-064-065-071-072.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for LMZ844>849.
&&
$$
UPDATE...Hoving
DISCUSSION...Ostuno
AVIATION...Maczko
NWS GRR Office Area Forecast Discussion
