One Final Batch of Lake Effect Snow Before Quieter, But Cold, Weekend

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After a prolonged stretch of cold and snowy weather in West Michigan, the region is set to get one final burst of lake effect snow on Thursday before a quieter, but still bitterly cold, weekend ahead. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for several counties, with slippery roads and poor visibility expected during the Thursday morning commute.

Why it matters

This latest round of lake effect snow is part of an unusually cold and snowy start to the winter season in West Michigan, with the region already seeing around 65 inches of snow so far. The cold and snow have led to a significant increase in ice cover across the Great Lakes, which could start to limit lake effect snow events in the second half of the winter.

The details

Lake effect snow is expected to continue through Thursday, but will begin to retreat closer to the lakeshore by Thursday morning. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon and Oceana counties through 10 a.m. Thursday, with an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. Slippery roads and pockets of poor visibility will affect drivers in the advisory area through the Thursday morning commute.

• Winter Weather Advisories are in effect through 10 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026.
• Lake effect snow will begin pushing offshore late Thursday and into Friday.