Here’s a summarized version of the weather report, tailored to your specifications:
Key Takeaways
- A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for several counties in Michigan and Indiana from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening.
- Rain will begin Saturday evening, transitioning to a rain/snow mix overnight into Sunday.
- Lake-effect snow bands are expected to develop Sunday afternoon and persist through Monday, potentially causing heavy snowfall rates.
- Snowfall accumulation will be heaviest closer to Lake Michigan, with the possibility of 4-6 inches or more in those areas.
- Breezy conditions starting Sunday will result in significantly lower wind chill values, making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature.
Weather Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Berrien County in Michigan, along with LaPorte, St. Joseph, Starke, and Marshall Counties in Indiana, stretching from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. Residents of these areas should prepare for potentially hazardous winter weather conditions.
The weather pattern begins with a dry but cloudy Saturday. However, a significant change is expected as a weather system currently located out west moves into the Michiana area later this evening. Rain is forecast to arrive around 5 or 6 p.m. and will become widespread throughout the night.
As temperatures drop towards freezing overnight, the rain will begin to mix with snow for everyone. This transition is expected to occur early Sunday morning. Although there will be a temporary break from the snow Sunday morning, this respite will be short-lived.
A band of lake-effect snow is anticipated to develop Sunday afternoon. This band is likely to wobble and shift across the region from Sunday through Monday, potentially leading to localized areas of heavy snowfall. Adding to the intensity, moisture feeding in from as far north as Lake Superior could contribute to particularly heavy snowfall rates on Monday. The lake-effect snow is expected to persist throughout the entire day on Monday.
Snowfall accumulations are expected to be moderate overall, with the highest totals occurring closer to Lake Michigan. Areas nearest the lake could potentially see 4-6 inches of snow or even more, depending on how long the lake-effect snow band remains stationary over a particular area. The farther one lives from the lake, the less snowfall accumulation is anticipated. The warmest ground temperatures on Sunday may cause a delay in the snow accumulation. Monday is expected to have the quickest accumulating snow, specifically for those under bands of lake-effect.
In addition to the snow, the region will also experience some of the coldest air seen in recent times. Breezy northwest winds will begin on Sunday, driving down wind chill values and making the temperature feel significantly colder than the actual air temperature. While highs on Sunday will struggle to reach 40 degrees, the wind chill will make it feel like the upper 20s.
The breezy conditions are expected to continue into Monday, further exacerbating the cold. Wind chill values on Monday will make it feel like the teens. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the cold and to stay informed about the latest weather updates. Stay tuned throughout the weekend for the latest updates and potential changes to the forecast.