ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

Michigan Forecast Predicts Snow – Here’s When and Where

Last weekend’s weather was pretty much perfect in Michigan, assuming you like summer-like temperatures. On Saturday (April 23), much of lower Michigan was treated to 80-degree weather- and warmer. That’s…

April Storm

(Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

Last weekend's weather was pretty much perfect in Michigan, assuming you like summer-like temperatures. On Saturday (April 23), much of lower Michigan was treated to 80-degree weather- and warmer. That's a rarity for April and even hotter than most May temperatures.

Hopefully you enjoyed the warm weather while it lasted, because Michigan is about to be, well, Michigan and turn a corner to very rigid temperatures. If you're planting this year, make note to protect your garden creations from frost. I keep waiting to plant my wildflowers until there's no chance of a freeze or frost, and unfortunately, it's just not happening.

Following a few days of those balmy temperatures, Michigan is heading into much colder territory Monday evening (April 25) through Thursday, according to Weather.com. For most of the state, Tuesday's temperatures will be in the 40s, which is much lower than Michigan's usual April temperatures of the 60s.

Along with the colder temperatures, you should expect - you guessed it - snow. I wish I was joking, but snow is really on the way this week. The snow is projected to be sporadic and come Tuesday and Wednesday. The good news is that this will only be a little snow, and it obviously won't stick too long. It also shouldn't impact driving too much. The further north you go, the better chance you have of getting some measurable snow. Traverse City could get an inch or two of the white stuff, as could the Thumb area.

Wednesday will be the coldest day for most of Michigan according to the Weather.com forecast, with temperatures in the 20s. Again, if you have plants outside, make plans to protect them from the damaging temperatures. Thankfully, by Friday, temperatures will start to head up again, although don't expect 80 degrees anywhere in the Mitten. Fingers cross this is the last winter-like spurt until next season.

Summer is on the way, and that means it's about to be road trip season. I always enjoy driving around during the spring and summer months, discovering new towns around Michigan. Fall is a great time to road trip, too, because of the gorgeous colors. This state has so many beautiful small towns, which make for perfect stops during a long road trip.

So, how small are Michigan's tiniest dwellings? I actually looked up some data from the state of Michigan and discovered that many towns in Michigan have just a few hundred people. That's almost hard to imagine. Some examples are Addison at 597, Akron at 394 and Alba at 295. Now, that's really, really small.

When it comes to Michigan's quaint cities, I always enjoy South Haven. My uncle lives around that area, and I used to go there at lot as a kid. The beach town is right on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the southwest part of the state. Its population is just over 4,000 residents, but it seems way bigger during the summer months, as it's a very popular tourist destination. Just thinking about South Haven's warm, sandy beaches is making me smile. If you head there, don't forget to check out South Haven's trademark red lighthouse.

Of course, South Haven is just the beginning when it comes to great places to visit. Read on for 40 small towns in Michigan that you need to visit this summer for a weekend getaway. You'll also find information on each town below with a link to that town's official website, so you can find more details about the best time to visit and how to get there.

Munising

Marquette

Traverse City - Not super small, but a great spot to visit!

Holland

Sault Ste. Marie

Alpena

Tawas City

St. Joseph

Harbor Springs

Escanaba

Frankenmuth

Mackinac Island

Northville

Ontonagon

Charlevoix

Paradise

Copper Harbor

Saugatuck

Petoskey

South Haven

Ludington

Pentwater

http://www.pentwater.org/

Techumseh

Colon

http://www.colonmichigan.org/

Boyne City

http://www.cityofboynecity.com/

Caseville

Port Austin

East Tawas

St. Ignace

Suttons Bay

Newberry

Marshall

http://www.cityofmarshall.com/

Harrisville

Frankfort

Elberta

Elk Rapids

Au Gres

Rose City

Gaylord

Menominee

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.