WEST MICHIGAN — With high pressure dominating our weather pattern the next several days in typically what can be the hottest time of the year, look for an extended period of heat most of this week.
Only one real good shot at precipitation remains on Wednesday as a weakening cold front presses through the state Wednesday morning and midday. We’ll have the chance of showers and thunderstorms at that time, but the biggest threat will be brief, heavy rain, as the passage and timing of the front is not conducive to severe weather. That said, strong/severe storms may be possible during the afternoon hours, mainly south/east of Grand Rapids.
Our hottest day thus far this year actually occurred in Grand Rapids this past Saturday when we reached 87 degrees. We’ve made 86 a few times, but the 87 was the first time this year. I would expect to surpass that with an 89 or perhaps even a 90 on Monday or Tuesday this week in several locations. Grand Rapids hasn’t hit 90 degrees in 683 days!
The image attached to this story is from our computer forecast model valid Wednesday morning. These are the temperatures at about 5,000 feet above the surface. Notice how the maroons and red colors move directly in to Michigan. We’ll see slightly cooler/drier air Thursday behind the cold front, but still in the low/mid 80s again.
Our dew point temperatures (a measure of moisture in the air) and humidity will likely creep up a bit as well, so keeping the A/C in tune this week may be a good idea. By the way, Lake Michigan water temperatures are in the upper 60s. We’ll likely hit 70 or better in most locations before this week is over. Get the complete forecast by going to www.fox17online.com/weather.
