Karl Bohnak, Journal contributor

Thanksgiving weekend 2022 continues without a hitch–at least weather-wise. The average high on Thanksgiving ranges from the low to mid 30s at the National Weather Service (NWS) near Negaunee. The average low is in the upper teens to low twenties (depending on where the 4th Thursday of the month lands).

Most Thanksgiving weekends are quiet, but the few, exceptional stormy periods can wreak havoc on holiday travel.

One of the worst storms occurred as travelers headed hit the roads in 1966. Rain quickly changed to freezing precipitation and then snow as low pressure passed just to our south. As the storm deepened, gale force winds combined with the snow led to widespread power outages and nearly impossible travel conditions. Hundreds of motorists became stranded and were forced to take refuge in area homes, National Guard Armories and even local saloons.

One of the biggest snowstorms in recent decades slammed the U.P., again during the latter portion of Thanksgiving weekend in 1985. A vast area of heavy snow developed from Minnesota, northern Wisconsin into the Upper Peninsula. Travelers from snow-less areas to the south headed into a nightmare of snow covered roads and near-zero visibility. Most sections of Upper Michigan had a foot or more of snow. Even southern Upper Michigan reported totals between 15 and 20 inches, while the NWS site up north had over 30 inches.

This holiday will continue quiet and mild Saturday with highs in the 40s. On Sunday, a front will cross the region and could trigger some light precipitation. Behind the front, temperatures will cool closer to average early next week.

Karl’s 5-day forecast

Sat:

48 26

Sunny

Sun:

36 32

Flurries

Mon:

36 26

Cloudy

Tues:

39 25

Rain

Wed:

34 27

Rain-Snow