The climatic conditions typical of Detroit, Michigan, marked by extreme seasonal variations: frigid, lake-effect snow-heavy winters, humid and occasionally stormy summers, and abrupt shifts influenced by the proximity to Lakes Erie and Huron.

A colloquial phrase evoking the unpredictable and often punishing Midwestern meteorology of the Motor City, synonymous with rapid temperature swings and 'if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes' variability.