Will it snow on U-M commencement ceremonies Saturday?
University of Michigan graduates and family members gathering for commencement Saturday morning in Ann Arbor may have to contend with rain or even snow.
The National Weather Service forecast says rain and snow are likely in the morning after an overnight low of about 35, and any precipitation is expected to turn to all rain after noon. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.
If it does rain, graduates and their families won't be able to take shelter under umbrellas. They're not allowed in the stadium. Graduates will gather around 8 a.m. near Michigan Stadium, and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
“It’s kind of a tricky system,” said Debra Elliott, observation program leader for the National Weather Service in White Lake Township. Forecasters Friday afternoon were evaluating it to provide a better idea of what to expect. “Chances are that you could have some brief snow in the morning,” she said.
Snow is most likely shortly before or after sunrise, she said, since that’s typically the coldest part of the day.
The high Saturday is expected to be 44. The low is expected to drop to about 30 under cloudy skies. A chance for rain will persist through the night. Sunday is expected to bring clear skies and a high around 55.
Although it may seem late for snow, it’s not she said. “There’s been a lot of late April snowfalls in our history. … That’s not uncommon. It’s just that we’re in spring mode right now.”
For updated weather conditions and forecasts anytime, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.
Comments
David Cahill
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
Sadly for the weather hypers, snow is no longer in the forecast. I still have an unopened bag of rock salt on my porch, which I bought last fall. As long as it's on my porch, it won't snow.
jns131
Sat, Apr 28, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
We can all thank David Cahill for keeping us out of the foot deep trenches of snow and hopefully it will snow the last weekend of April. Hasn't yet.
aareader
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
...and why No Umbrellas? Will they be used for other than keeping rain off. Find it hard to believe people will not be able to see as if in a game in a full stadium?
ShawnS
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
Let's face it, any person graduating from UofM has seen April snow before. Not a big deal.
GB
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
Who cares!!
MRunner73
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
With a little luck, the rain event will hold off until midday. It should not be cold enough for snow but if the rain does begin before midday, temperatures will be no higher than 40 dgerees. Either way, it will be much below normal for late April...and many think that the Spring football scrimmage earlier in the month has bad luck.
smokeblwr
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
With the monies UM is charging its seatholders they should put a retractable dome in.
Adrienne
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
It snowed on my graduation from Syracuse in May of '96. Made us appreciate the Dome more than ever. Good luck, grads, hope it holds off for you!
15crown00
Fri, Apr 27, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
Hopefully