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A wet start to the weekend, but drier days are coming

Posted at 6:18 AM, Aug 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-27 06:18:47-04

WEST MICHIGAN — Just in time to start your weekend, numerous showers and thunderstorms are moving through the area this morning. These clusters of showers and storms are not severe, and are left over from what developed last night over the Plains. We are watching a warm front, however, to our southwest that is expected to lift into the area this afternoon and evening. Here is a look at where this front sits as of this early morning writing:

MW_Fronts

The thunderstorm activity that develops later today along this warm front could be severe. In fact, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has all of the FOX 17 viewing area in a Marginal Risk for severe weather this afternoon and evening:

SPC_outlook

Wind gusts of 60 mph appear to be the main threat with these thunderstorms this afternoon. A limiting factor to these storms reaching severe limits may be the rain and cloud cover from this morning, which could limit our instability somewhat. But we’ll still be on guard for the possibility of severe weather. This is a sample of what Future Track HD suggests may happen this afternoon:

Future_Track_HD

It shows a narrow line of storms moving across US-131 at this time, impacting the Grand Rapids area. Our model might be under-forecasting the amount of rain we will see today. It’s very possible that some areas will see up to an inch of rainfall.

Tomorrow, drier air will make it’s way into West Michigan behind a weak cold front. Temperatures, however, actually look warmer as we’re expecting more sunshine. The warmth will last through Tuesday, but a stronger cold front will bring much cooler air into the region for the middle and end of the workweek.