News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Paisley Huizar, six, plays on the monkey bars at the Kiwanis Kiddie Park in Alpena on Tuesday. Next week, temperatures are forecasted to drop near freezing and the park won’t be as busy as it has during the recent warm spell.

ALPENA — People in Northeast Michigan may not want to put their snow shovels and winter jackets away just yet.

According to the National Weather Service, a cold front from Canada is expected to descend from the north into northern Michigan next week, which will drop temperatures into the low- to mid-twenties and even the high teens.

Temperatures will remain somewhat mild until Saturday when they begin to pivot. High temperatures are expected to be below freezing and stiff winds could push the Mercury even lower. Temperatures are expected to linger in the mid-30s until next Friday, when they will begin to climb into the mid-40s and remain in that temperature range until April 1.

Thursday doesn’t appear to be a day for outdoor plans, as snow and strong winds are expected. Only an inch or two are expected, but the winds could cause some mild drifting over roadways, the Weather Service says.

On Friday and Saturday, the strong winds will continue and there is a chance of freezing drizzle.

A stronger snow event is expected on Monday when there is a 65% chance of snow and gusty winds. The forecast calls for one to three inches of snow, but that could change as the extended forecast is updated as the snow system nears.

Nicole Sprinkles, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said the forecast doesn’t include any snow storms, but enough cold, wind, and snow remind people that winter isn’t over yet.

“There isn’t going to be anything crazy, but it will be a rollercoaster for precipitation and temperatures,” Sprinkles said. “We shouldn’t see anything too severe, but with Mother Nature, you really never know.”

Drought in Alpena County continues to be an issue, despite the snow melt and recent rain. Last month, the U.S. Drought Monitor lowered Alpena County’s drought level from severe drought to moderate drought, but a rash of warmer-than-normal days this month has caused the drought level to return to severe drought again.

The most recent update from the Drought Monitor was on March 13. It is updated every Thursday, so it could be tweaked again later this week.

Before the cold temperatures return to Northeast Michigan, residents will have a few warm days to enjoy. According to the forecast, temperatures will be in the low 50s, but the strong winds will make it feel cooler. After Friday, there are no other days in the extended forecast with 50-degree temperatures.

“We’re going to remain below average for a while,” Sprinkles said. “We aren’t going to get frigid cold temperatures, but it isn’t going to be as warm as it has been either.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.