Friday in Michigan usually feels like a slow slide into the weekend, but today, January 16, 2026, is anything but quiet. If you stepped outside this morning in Metro Detroit, you probably noticed that biting chill—we're talking temperatures in the teens with wind chills dipping into the single digits. Honestly, it’s the kind of weather that makes you want to stay under the covers with a second pot of coffee.
But for most of us, life doesn't stop for a little frost. Between a "4Warn Weather Alert" and the massive Charity Preview event in Detroit, there is a lot to keep track of right now.
The Weather Mess: Slush, Snow, and Slick Roads
The big story for most of the state is the snow. We aren't talking about a massive blizzard that shuts down the world, but it's that annoying, persistent snow that makes driving a total nightmare.
Right now, about 16 counties across Michigan are under winter weather alerts. Forecasters are calling for up to 7 inches of fresh powder in some spots. In Southeast Michigan, the concern isn't just the depth; it's the timing. Most of the snow is expected to taper off by 5:00 p.m., but that’s exactly when the evening commute hits its peak.
Because we already had 3 to 6 inches on the ground from earlier in the week, these new layers are creating a "compounding impact." Basically, the side streets are a mess. If you're out late tonight, watch out for the refreeze. As temperatures drop tonight, all that slushy mess on the roads is going to turn into a sheet of ice.
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Robin Thicke, Tariffs, and the Detroit Auto Show
While half the state is shoveling driveways, the other half is looking toward downtown Detroit. Today is the Charity Preview for the 2026 Detroit Auto Show. It's the "prom of Detroit," and tonight, Robin Thicke is headlining the event.
But it’s not all tuxedos and champagne.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been using the Auto Show stage to get pretty vocal about the state’s economic future. In a keynote address, she took aim at federal tariffs, arguing they’re putting Michigan’s car industry at a disadvantage against China. It’s a bit of a political tug-of-war, especially with President Trump recently visiting Dearborn and doubling down on his tariff strategy.
Whitmer also dropped some news about "geologic hydrogen." It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the state is officially looking into whether there are hydrogen reserves under our feet that could spark a new energy boom.
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A Quick Reality Check on Your Wallet
If you’re heading to the Auto Show this weekend, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has a warning for you: watch out for price gouging.
Apparently, there have been reports of parking structures and hotels cranking up prices to "grossly excessive" levels. While high demand usually means higher prices, there’s a legal limit. If you see a parking spot for the price of a used car, you might want to report it.
Michigan Sports: Captains and Comebacks
On the sports front, Michigan fans got some huge news for the 2026 season. Rod Moore, the two-time captain for the Wolverines, announced he’s coming back for a sixth year.
Moore has had a rough road with an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of 2024 and 2025. Having him back in the secondary is a massive win for a team that has seen a lot of movement in the transfer portal lately. Speaking of the portal, keep an eye on Ernest Nunley. The three-star cornerback just decommitted from Cal and all signs point to him heading to Ann Arbor.
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Meanwhile, the No. 4 Michigan men’s basketball team is currently out west. After a solid win against Washington in Seattle, they’re preping for a clash with the Oregon Ducks tomorrow.
Other Bits You Might Have Missed
- Port Huron Drivers: The westbound I-94/I-69 connector near the Blue Water Bridge is closing today for repairs. It won't open back up until Monday, so plan for detours.
- Coyote Hunting: A new rule just passed that will allow year-round coyote hunting starting March 1. It’s been a long-standing debate, but the Natural Resources Commission officially gave it the green light.
- Macomb County Drama: A mom was actually arrested for making a bomb threat to a school because her daughter wasn't allowed to be in a school play. Yeah, it's been a weird week.
What You Should Do Next
If you're in Michigan today, your priority is staying safe on the roads. Here is how to handle the next 24 hours:
- Check the school closings list before you head out, as several Metro Detroit schools have already called it for the day.
- Clear your sidewalks early. The slush is going to freeze solid tonight, and it’ll be ten times harder to move tomorrow morning.
- Download a traffic app if you're heading toward Port Huron or downtown Detroit. Between the I-94 construction and Auto Show crowds, traffic is a literal gridlock.
- Keep an eye on the thermostat. With wind chills in the single digits, make sure your pipes are protected if you live in an older home.
Stay warm out there—it's going to be a long, cold weekend.