Michigan’s First Snow Could Arrive This Friday, Meteorologists Say

When is Michigan expecting to get its first snowfall of the 2026 / 2027 winter season?

So far in the Lower Peninsula, we have seen some frost in the morning, but as we get closer to the winter season, we get closer and closer to our first snowfall of the season.

A few years ago in Kalamazoo, we actually got a pretty decent snowfall on Halloween evening, even if there wasn’t much accumulation. That Christmas we saw a Christmas day that was overcast and in the 60s. That’s quite the role reversal, but we are hoping this year we see a more traditional winter.

The Farmers' Almanac has predicted that the Great Lakes region, which includes Michigan, should see its first snowfall in November. When it comes to the first snowfall, meteorologists usually distinguish snowfall in three different categories.

First flakes, which is what I mentioned that we had a few years ago on Halloween; when we have snowfall, but it melts almost immediately, leaving nothing on the ground.

Next is the first measurable snowfall, which is when snow accumulates to at least .1 inch and is then categorized within the National Weather Service's climate records.

Finally, there’s the first significant snowfall, or when snow reaches at least an inch or more. There's actually a reason they say Michigan is harder to predict than most states:

During autumn, lake water remains relatively warm. When much colder air pours across that water, it can pick up heat and moisture. Once that air reaches land, narrow but intense bands of lake-effect snow can develop. That is why places such as western New York, northwestern Pennsylvania, and parts of Michigan can suddenly go from bare ground to heavy snow while locations relatively close by receive almost nothing.

 

When can Michigan expect its first measurable snowfall in 2026?

Erie News Now meteorologist Ben Kouchnerkavich claims Michigan could see its first snowfall this week:

FIRST SNOWFLAKES OF THE SEASON POSSIBLE NEXT WEEKEND: Parts of Chautauqua and Warren counties could see their first snowflakes of the season Saturday. Looking a little too warm for it in Erie right now. For good measure, parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula could see their first snowflakes Friday and Friday night.