English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Detroit, MI

METRO DETROIT — If you’re planning to put up a live Christmas tree this year, it’s a good idea to scope out what will be available from metro Detroit area tree growers.

There are more than 16,000 Christmas tree farms in the United States, stretching over 292,050 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Larger tree farms control about 75 percent of the supply, but if you’re interested in supporting a local business this holiday season, here are some places to chop or pick out a tree within driving distance of metro Detroit:

Recent data from the American Christmas Tree Association’s 2024 Consumer Report shows 99 percent of survey respondents intend to display at least one Christmas tree in their homes this year, and among them, 22 percent will opt for a live tree.

According to PickYourOwnChristmasTree, real trees will cost about $13 a foot, depending on the type of tree. At that cost, a typical 7-foot tree would cost about $90.

Years of extreme weather — drought conditions in some parts of the country and excess moisture in others — have affected Christmas tree farms.

This year, attention is focused on the Northeast, where tree farmers are struggling under severe drought conditions that are killing off young trees and could cause future shortages.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, about a fourth of the region was in severe to extreme drought, which hits young trees especially hard. It typically takes a tree seven or eight years to grow to the desirable height for decorating.

“Christmas tree farms in the Northeast have, unfortunately, been hit with drought conditions that will impact the crop for several years to come,” American Christmas Tree Association executive director Jami Warner told CNN.

“While consumers will be able to find their Christmas trees this season, some growers in the Northeast will not be able to harvest as many trees as they have in past non-drought years,” Warner said.

(FOX 2) - Cruising the waters around the DTE Power Plant in Monroe County, several pelicans were spotted hunting for fish below. After plunging their beaks into the water, they emerge with a mouth full of carp.

Video of them eating shows why they're effective hunters, using team work to locate fish before swallowing their catch whole.

It's an increasing sight among the wetlands of Michigan and the Great Lakes, which are quickly becoming popular migratory stops for one of the biggest birds to call North America home.

The reasons why are a mystery to those who have observed an increase in their numbers.

"We're not exactly sure why they're showing up," said Kylie McElrath, Michigan conservation manager with Audubon Great Lakes. "It's unusual but also not unusual since they can travel far to feed."

With a wingspan reaching around 10 feet and capable of traveling hundreds of miles a day, they can make the cross-country trip with relative ease.

Nesting grounds for American white pelicans have historically been U.S. and Canadian prairies, stretching as far east as western Minnesota. When it's time to migrate home, they'll spend the winter along the coasts of California and the Gulf of Mexico.

Pelicans are increasingly migrating to Michigan, a pattern that has those who study birds unsure about why. In Monroe County, several pelicans were seen feeding on carp near the DTE power plant. Video Courtesy of Coulter Stuart.

But in recent years, more pelicans have been flying further east.

The National Audubon Society has observed larger and larger groups of pelicans traveling to areas the group considers priority regions where coastal management is vital.

They include the Detroit River St. Clair flats region, the eastern Lake Michigan shoreline, The St. Mary's River and Straits of Mackinac, and Saginaw Bay.

Depending on the time of year, pelican sightings are almost a guarantee in spots like Pointe Mouillee State Game Area south of Lake Erie Metropark and Harsens Island in Lake St. Clair. Both are revered as popular migratory stops for birds.

MORE: Blue herons nesting over Detroit River seen killing each other

The arrival of a new species can portend uncertainty for local food webs and biological systems.

In the case of pelicans, much of their impact could be limited to the fish they eat - and according to McElrath, their diet won't be bothersome to anglers.

That means fish species like suckers and invasive carp like bighead and silver carp.

"They'll target species known as rough species or fish species that aren't as desirable as sport or commercial fishing," she said. "They are opportunistic and will feed on other species, but they mostly target those that are not targeted by others."

Likely to impact traffic, not much else

DETROIT – The first snowfall of the season is expected to hit this week.

Winter weather is expected to bring lower temperatures and below-freezing wind chills to the area starting Wednesday night, with scattered snow showers possible overnight.

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Related: When to expect snow to arrive in Metro Detroit this week

You’ll want to set your alarm clock early as this could impact your morning commute.

Widespread rain showers across Southeast Michigan move into the area early Wednesday afternoon. As temperatures drop and winds pick up, some snowflakes might be mixed in later in the afternoon near the Thumb. Metro Detroit could see some flakes after sunset before the day ends, but most of the snow will arrive the next day.

Southeast Michigan is expected to see scattered snow showers between 3-4 a.m. Thursday as temperatures could reach freezing. Scattered snow showers could last through the morning commute.

Snow accumulations up to one inch are possible, but most areas will likely be in the lower end.

West of US-23 stands the best chance of exceeding one inch. Jackson County could see half an inch of snow.

Read: Here’s how much snow to expect in Southeast Michigan over next 24 hours

There may be brief pockets of intensity that could impact visibility or road quality, but the snow isn’t expected to stick as surface temperatures are above freezing.

Here’s the latest from NWS in Grand Rapids:

Here’s the latest from NWS in Gaylord:

Here’s the latest from NWS in Marquette:

Rain spreads out from east to west as a system stalls to our southeast. As the precipitation moves into the west, some wet snow mixes in. By Thursday afternoon, snow will gradually change back to rain with snow accumulations around a half inch to an inch except Baraga County/higher terrain and surrounding areas that could see up to 2 -4 inches of wet snow.

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The National Weather Service on Wednesday said a wide swatch of western and northern Michigan could see snow accumulations Wednesday night into Thursday.

The National Weather Service says much of the state could see 1-4 inches of wet snow, with areas around Big Rapids, Cadillac, Grayling and Gaylord seeing the highest totals.

On Tuesday, the weather service had predicted an inch or less of snow would accumulate, mostly from the state line northeast through Jackson and Flint. The snow map has shifted west in the latest forecast with accumulations increasing.

The Grand Rapids region has a 70% chance of rain and snow showers overnight and a 90% chance of snow showers early Thursday. Kalamazoo has a 100% chance of precipitation overnight and into Thursday.

In northern Michigan, the weather service said the Gaylord area has a 100% chance of precipitation overnight and could see up to 3 inches overnight and less than 1 new inch Thursday. Grayling has a 90% chance of precipitation overnight and an 80% chance Thursday, with 3 inches possible overnight and 1 new inch Thursday.

Here's what the National Weather Service is saying about this week's forecast.

Will it snow this week in northern Michigan?

The Gaylord NWS office, which covers Traverse City, Petoskey and Cheboygan, said northern Michigan will see rain Wednesday afternoon with highs in the upper 40s. Overnight into Thursday, people should expect snow, possibly heavy and mixed with rain, with 3 inches of snow accumulation possible.

"Accumulating snow is expected tonight, especially overnight, over the higher elevations of northern lower Michigan. Moderate accumulations of wet, sloppy snow are likely," the service said.

Snow showers and rain will continue Thursday, with potentially heavy snow, before turning to a chance of rain showers in the afternoon.

How much snow will Grand Rapids and west Michigan get?

The Grand Rapids weather service office said the high Wednesday will reach only 48, with rain showers as the morning progresses. Wind gusts could reach 24 mph. Overnight, rain will continue, but then mix with snow showers after midnight.

Snow showers will continue into Thursday morning before mixing with rain then turning to rain in the late morning, the NWS said.

"Wet snow accumulations of an inch or two are possible on lawns, rooftops and decks but roads and sidewalks should remain just wet," the service said.

How much snow will Lansing get?

Temperatures Wednesday will reach around 48 in Lansing, with wind gusts up to 25 mph. Rain will continue through the early afternoon. Snow showers, possibly mixed with rain, are likely overnight, turning to snow after 4 a.m. There could be an inch or two of snow accumulation overnight.

Thursday will start with likely rain and snow showers with highs around 39. Less than 1 inch of new snow accumulation is possible.

"Wet snow accumulations of an inch or two are possible on lawns, rooftops and decks but roads and sidewalks should remain just wet," the service said.

Will it snow in the Upper Peninsula this week?

The UP is in for a wet, cloudy week, with showers expected Wednesday and over the coming days, the NWS Marquette office said.

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, but rain will set in late Wednesday around Marquette. Showers will continue through Friday, with rain throughout the weekend. The area could see half to three-quarters of an inch of snow.

At the other end of the peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie should see rain starting Wednesday, clearing briefly on Sunday, then returning Sunday night.

Will it snow in Detroit Wednesday night?

Southeast Michigan and Detroit will see rain Wednesday afternoon with highs up to 52, the weather service said.

Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, there will be a chance of rain showers by 9 p.m., followed by partly cloudy skies.

More:Light snow, colder temperatures set to arrive in metro Detroit: What to know

Thursday is set to start with snow showers, mixed with rain in the afternoon, with a high near 43 degrees. One inch or less of snow accumulation is possible in the region between Wednesday evening and Thursday evening.

There will be a chance of rain and snow overnight Thursday, with lows in the low to mid 30s.

"Scattered to numerous snow showers around Thursday morning, diminishing in the afternoon," the weather service said. "Snowfall accumulations of a dusting to 1 inch expected on grassy surfaces. Areas west of U.S. 23 have a chance to exceed 1 inch, especially Midland county where a couple of inches is possible."

When does the first snowfall typically take place in Michigan?

The average date for Michigan's first measurable snowfall, at least one-tenth of an inch, is Nov. 16, according to the National Weather Service in White Lake.

Has it snowed yet in Michigan in 2024?

Michigan already saw its first measurable snowfall of 2024 in the Upper Peninsula in October. The 0.1 inch of snow was recorded in the Michigamme area, 40 miles west of Marquette, on Oct. 15, according to the NWS.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.