‘Potentially historic blizzard’ hits Michigan. Will it break records?

A potentially historic blizzard is underway across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where forecasters say snowfall totals could reach 1 to 3 feet across much of the region, with up to 4 feet possible in higher terrain.

The heaviest snowfall is expected in central and eastern parts of the UP, especially in the higher elevations of north-central Upper Michigan.

Snowfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour at times Sunday, creating near-zero visibility and whiteout conditions as strong winds blow and drift the snow.

Roads are expected to become treacherous or impassable, with snowdrifts potentially several feet deep. Officials warn the weight of heavy snow could also lead to roof collapses on structures that have not been cleared.

“Potentially historic, record-breaking snowfall between 1 and 3 feet expected across all of Upper Michigan,” the National Weather Service wrote. “Highest storm total snow expected in the central and east. Greatest potential for 4 feet is the high terrain of north-central. Strong winds and heavy snowfall rates will result in a long duration of blizzard conditions. Widespread impacts: dangerous to impossible travel, power outages, prolonged recovery time.”

There are also reports of thundersnow, a rare phenomenon in which thunder and lightning occur during heavy snowfall, often signaling especially intense snow bands and snowfall rates.

Storm could bring record totals

National Weather Service meteorologists say the storm could produce record or near-record two-day snowfall totals across parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.

Heavy snow is expected from Minnesota through Wisconsin and into northern Michigan, with many areas likely to exceed a foot of accumulation. Some locations in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula could surpass 24 inches, with isolated totals approaching 3 to 4 feet.

Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall will likely produce prolonged blizzard conditions, raising the risk of power outages and significant travel disruptions.

National Weather Service map shows snowfall totals in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on March 15-16, 2026. (USA Today Network)

What’s causing the storm

The storm is being driven by a rapidly strengthening low-pressure system moving northeast across the Midwest.

Forecasters say the system is pulling deep moisture north from the Gulf of Mexico while intensifying over the Great Lakes, which is also under the influence of Arctic air after a stratospheric warming event in the polar vortex. As the storm strengthens, heavy snow bands are expected to pivot across Wisconsin and Michigan through Sunday night and Monday.

Within these bands, snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are possible. Thunder has also been reported in some areas as the storm intensifies.

When the snow will end

Heavy snow is expected to continue through Monday, March 16, as the storm system moves into Canada.

After that, snowfall will begin transitioning to lake-effect snow, especially downwind of the Great Lakes. Additional accumulation is possible into Tuesday morning, particularly near Lake Superior.

In some locations near Marquette, the combination of the storm and lake-effect snow could push totals toward 4 to 5 feet by Tuesday afternoon, March 17.

How cold will temperatures get?

NOAA graphical maps show temperature highs and lows across Michigan from Sunday, March 15 through early Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (USA Today Network)

NOAA graphical maps show temperature highs and lows across Michigan from Sunday, March 15 through early Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (USA Today Network)

NOAA graphical maps show temperature highs and lows across Michigan from Sunday, March 15 through early Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (USA Today Network)

NOAA graphical maps show temperature highs and lows across Michigan from Sunday, March 15 through early Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (USA Today Network)

NOAA graphical maps show temperature highs and lows across Michigan from Sunday, March 15 through early Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (USA Today Network)

What is the record cold temperature in Michigan for mid-March?

Michigan has seen its share of frigid late-March weather, and history shows how impactful Arctic air can be when it lingers.

According to data from the National Weather Service in Marquette, in March 1965, Michigan recorded nighttime lows of minus 18 on March 23 and minus 20 the following day, with multiple additional days recording below-zero lows and highs in the single digits and low teens. According to the National Weather Service, that month ranked among the coldest and snowiest Marches at many locations in Southeast Michigan.

Unlike this year, however, “There really had been no surge of warm spring weather to speak of that year until the first week of April” which preceded the second biggest tornado outbreak in recorded history.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: ‘Potentially historic blizzard’ hits Michigan. Will it break records?

Reporting by Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect