Detroit, Michigan — Detroit is gearing up for one of its most beloved holiday traditions, and Mother Nature is cooperating just in time. As more than 100,000 attendees are expected to flock to Campus Martius Park for the 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting on Friday, the city will be treated to mild and mostly calm conditions — a welcome surprise for mid-November.
Temperatures will hover in the lower 50s during the early evening before gradually dipping into the 40s as the night progresses. Despite the chilly slide, forecasters say the evening will remain dry, with no significant precipitation expected — ideal weather for enjoying fireworks, music, and the seasonal spectacle downtown.
Cold Front Slips In, But Weather Stays Dry
The day will begin under mostly cloudy skies, as a weak cold front slides through Southeast Michigan. While this front will shift winds and open the door for cooler air later tonight and into Saturday, it won’t deliver much moisture. Most areas south of Detroit will stay dry, with only a slight chance of light sprinkles north of the city during early Friday morning.
This calm setup ensures that the evening festivities won’t be disrupted by rain or gusty winds. The focus remains on cooling temperatures, which will gradually settle in as night falls.
Friday Night Tree Lighting Schedule
Festivities run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown Detroit, with temperatures slowly easing downward throughout the celebration:
- 4 p.m.: Around 50°F, mostly cloudy
- 6 p.m.: Mid-40s, dry
- 9 p.m.: Lower 40s, with clouds breaking up
Winds will be light, offering a comfortable atmosphere overall — though visitors may still want jackets, gloves, or a warm drink in hand for the colder late-evening stretch.
Saturday Brings Crisp Air and Sunshine
Cooler air settles firmly over the region on Saturday, sending daytime highs into the mid-40s. While that’s noticeably colder, the day will not be gloomy — in fact, afternoon sunshine will return as a dry and crisp air mass moves in.
By Saturday night, the bottom drops out a bit more, with overnight lows dipping into the upper 20s to near 30°F, signaling that winter is inching closer.
Sunday Warm-Up Offers a Weekend Boost
If Saturday feels too sharp, Sunday brings a quick turnaround. Southerly winds kick in, hauling warmer air back across Michigan. Afternoon highs will rebound nicely into the low to mid-50s, paired with mostly sunny skies — perfect for anyone squeezing in last-minute outdoor plans before Thanksgiving-week chaos begins.
Thanksgiving Week Travel Outlook
Next week ushers in one of the busiest travel stretches of the year, and Michigan’s weather will play a role.
- Monday: Partly sunny, highs near the lower 50s
- Late Monday Night–Tuesday: Rain becomes likely, with Tuesday looking particularly wet, especially during the morning commute. Travelers should plan for longer drive times and potential airport delays.
- Wednesday: Conditions dry out, but colder air returns. Highs fall back into the 40s under mostly cloudy skies.
Thanksgiving Day: A Chilly but Manageable Parade Morning
The 99th America’s Thanksgiving Parade steps off downtown on Thursday morning, and spectators will want to layer up. Morning temperatures will sit in the 30s, only climbing into the upper 30s to near 40°F by afternoon. Thankfully, skies will be partly sunny and conditions dry, making the cold manageable for those bundled up along Woodward Avenue.
Drop your thoughts in the comments! Are you heading to the Detroit Tree Lighting, the Thanksgiving Parade, or just vibing with the weather rollercoaster this weekend? Let’s hear it!
