The Upper Peninsula will get the brunt of a clipper system sweeping across Michigan. It is expected to make a swift exit on Thursday.

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 6:50 p.m. EST for snow until 9:30 p.m. EST for Gratiot, Clinton, Allegan, Barry and Eaton counties.

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 5:02 p.m. EST on Monday for snow until 8:30 p.m. EST for Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo and Mecosta counties.

Michigan residents could see winds as strong as 55 mph Monday, the National Weather Service said. The weather service said a wind advisory is in effect for most of Michigan from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday because of the potential for winds gusting between 45 mph and 55 mph.

Michigan residents rely on National Weather Service forecasts, advisories and warnings to know what to expect for the morning commute or when to take shelter, but what exactly do all those terms mean?

After winter weather impacts through Wednesday, temperatures could reach 40 degrees Thursday, something many areas haven't done since November.

The Arctic air mass over Michigan and the whole of the Midwest may stick around as late as Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

Winter weather advisories or winter storm warnings were in place for seven states early Tuesday morning, with the National Weather Service forecasting up to 12 inches of snow for some parts of the country.

Motorists should be prepared for slippery roads and rapid changes in visibility and road conditions due to lake effect snow, the weather service said.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Monday for many Michigan counties, including ones in Metro Detroit.

Overall, temperatures are expected to be relatively mild throughout much of the forecast period, especially when compared to last week.

From subzero temperatures spanning the week to incoming snow Monday night, Michigan will find itself in the middle of winter weather that feels like it's blowing out of the Arctic for the next few days.