WEST MICHIGAN — Our first bout of strong to severe thunderstorms may occur on Thursday. A strong low pressure system tracking into the Great Lakes on Thursday from the Central Plains will bring plenty of moisture (from the Gulf) and warm air from the south. I would expect high temperatures briefly on Thursday to reach 65 to 70 from Grand Rapids to the south. All of this combined will help fuel the potential for some severe weather. Click hereto see the latest convective outlook from SPC.
The image attached to this story is from the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. They have all of West Michigan is a “SLIGHT RISK” for severe weather, most likely Thursday evening when the low arrives. The better chance for more widespread severe storms will come from Chicago south/west to St. Louis.
The primary threat in Michigan would be large hail and strong, damaging winds, but the ingredients may be in place for an isolated tornado or two, especially from Grand Rapids to the south. Make sure to stay up on later forecasts. It’s also a good idea to make cure your NOAA weather radio in operating properly. Get the complete West Michigan forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.
