Northern Michigan breaks cold record with -21 degrees: From cold lows to a warmer Christmas forecast

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Gaylord, MI – Bitter cold gripped northern Michigan early Sunday, but relief is on the way as temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by midweek. After hitting record-breaking low temperatures of -21 degrees in recent days, Otsego County can look forward to milder conditions starting Christmas Day.

According to the National Weather Service, Sunday will remain cold with highs near 22 degrees and winds dropping to -18 degrees. Snow showers are expected late tonight, with up to 10cm of snow accumulation possible by Monday morning. Slippery roads and limited visibility can affect travel, so drivers should exercise caution.

On Monday the maximum temperature will be 29 degrees, with gusts of up to 40 km/h leading to blowing snow. By Tuesday, conditions will improve with mostly cloudy skies and calm winds, reaching highs of 33 degrees. The real warm-up comes on Christmas Day, when temperatures rise to 34 degrees and break the sub-zero temperatures.

Residents should continue to prepare for freezing conditions overnight as temperatures fall back into the upper 20s. By Thursday, maximum temperatures will reach 38 degrees, offering a brief respite from the severe cold. However, further snow or rain showers are possible towards the end of the week, potentially making travel planning for the holidays difficult.

With rising temperatures and a clearer forecast, Gaylord residents can look forward to safer road conditions and a more pleasant holiday season. Stay tuned for updates on changing weather conditions as Christmas approaches.