In a surprising turn of events, southern Michigan is set to experience colder daytime temperatures than the northern part of the state. This temperature anomaly is expected to persist for several days, all due to a peculiar wind direction.

The southern tier of Michigan, including cities south of I-94 such as Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Detroit, will be facing the brunt of this Arctic blast. Instead of the usual lakefront buffer provided by the Great Lakes, the cold air mass will be rushing in from the southern border with Indiana, bypassing the relatively warmer waters.

Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa explained that the exception lies in far southern Lower Michigan, where temperatures are expected to be the coldest during this situation. The cold air will be able to bypass the south end of Lake Michigan and move northeastward towards cities like Coldwater, Jackson, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Flint.

As of 8 a.m. on Sunday, the temperature map shows Northern Michigan spots like Traverse City at 16 degrees and Bay Harbor at 19 degrees. In contrast, Kalamazoo is forecasted to sit at 10 degrees, Detroit at 7 degrees, and areas near the Ohio border could experience temperatures hovering around zero.

While variations in temperature will be observed across the state, Michigan as a whole is expected to be engulfed in a deep freeze this week. Arctic air will bring some of the coldest temperatures of the season thus far, accompanied by sub-zero wind chills that will make it feel even colder.

The National Weather Service predicts that Monday and Tuesday will be the coldest days of the week, with highs in the single digits in many areas. Additionally, lake effect snow is likely to persist throughout the week, expecting to bring further challenges and hazardous conditions.

Michigan residents are advised to stay updated on the latest forecast information through the MLive Weather page as preparations for the frigid conditions and potential snowfall will be crucial in the upcoming days.