WEST MICHIGAN — One more breezy and mild day is expected across the area today. Temperatures will likely make the mid/upper 60s, and winds will ramp up out of the south at about 15 to 25 mph. The winds will be stronger on the open waters of Lake Michigan and drive waves about six to nine feet by this evening. GALE WARNINGS are in effect this afternoon and evening as conditions will be hazardous for boaters. Make sure to stay off piers and jetties as waves will likely be swamping those structures. See forecast wind speeds below...valid for 6 P.M. this evening. The larger, whiter number is the speed in miles per hour. The "G" number is the gust, and the arrow represents the direction from which the wind comes.
Wednesday is the last day of mild air before a strong cold front slides through the state and helps initiate a pattern change in our upper level jetstream. That means by Thursday and beyond, high temperatures will only make the upper 40s and lower 50s. Colder air aloft coming across the relatively warmer waters of Lake Michigan will help generate lake effect and lake enhanced clouds and spotty rain showers Thursday and Friday. In fact, we also have the chance of seeing waterspouts (again) over Lake Michigan. Below is the weather map...valid for 6 P.M. this evening.
By Friday, the front has progressed through the state, the colder air has moved in, and lake effect/lake enhanced clouds and showers are possible. We can't even rule out a few wet snowflakes across our northern counties, or at least north central and northern lower Michigan. Accumulations would be little to none. Keep in mind portions of the Upper Peninsula have already recorded some minor accumulations this season around Marquette and vicinity. Certainly a sign of things to come! See image below.
We expect colder than average temperatures, generally speaking, to finish out the month of October. The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center shows a decent chance of below normal temperatures through the end of the month. See image below.
Make sure to get the complete West Michigan forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.
