4 to 8 inches of snow for Metro Detroit this weekend

Metro Detroiters might find the holiday tune "Let it Snow" appropriate for this weekend since forecasters are predicting ongoing snow showers that could reach up to 8 inches and cause slick roads.

The National Weather Service calls for a light dusting of snow overnight in some areas as temperatures dip into the 20s -- around average this time in December. But winds could gust up to 15 mph and reduce visibility on the roadways.

Saturday’s high should stay below 30 with a 40 percent chance of snow showers -- including lake-effect bands -- throughout the day.

But the real action starts late Saturday night, when a large storm system moves through the region, bringing ongoing snowfall forecast to last until Monday morning. By the time it's over, as much as 4 to 8 inches of snow could drop, the weather service predicts.

"It will be snowing in periods throughout the day," said Jordan Dale, a meteorologist for NWS. "There is a chance this could die down Sunday night, but it should be a pretty consistent snowfall throughout Sunday and Sunday night."

The heaviest snowfall rates are expected Sunday afternoon. Covered roadways coupled with low visibilities could complicate travel, and the outcome could also affect the Monday morning rush hour, Dale said.

Clear conditions are anticipated to start the work week, with highs rebounding in the 30s. But readings could dip into the teens Wednesday and Thursday, according to the weather service.

What’s driving this band of cold? “It’s just a trough of low pressure bringing cooler air into the region,” National Weather Service meteorologist Heather Orow said. “This isn’t too unusual. It’s December. It’s about time for this to start happening.”

An arctic blast caused problems across the state early Thursday.

Whiteout conditions sparked a 53-vehicle pileup that left three dead and shut down both sides of Interstate 96 for hours, Livingston County officials said.

Drivers faced slick roads across Metro Detroit, and the Michigan Department of Transportation reported a handful of crashes.

Extended forecast

Saturday: Scattered snow showers before noon, then a chance of flurries after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. West wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Saturday night: A chance of flurries before 8 p.m, then a chance of snow after 2 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 23. West southwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Sunday: Snow likely, mainly after 8 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 31. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New snow accumulation of around 3 inches.

Sunday night: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New snow accumulation of around 3 inches.

Monday: Snow likely, possibly mixing with rain after 1 p.m., then gradually ending. Cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Monday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31.

Tuesday night: A chance of snow after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Wednesday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19.

Source: National Weather Service