WEST MICHIGAN — An active mid/late afternoon and evening of thunderstorms looks likely on Friday. A cold front along with an upper-level disturbance out ahead of that cold front will be what we are tracking to give rise to possible strong to severe thunderstorms on Friday. Take a look below at the Storm Prediction Center convective outlook for Friday. We were in a yellow or SLIGHT RISK, but that has now been upgraded to an ENHANCED RISK.
The time table for thunderstorms and any potential severe weather is between 3 P.M. and midnight or so from northwest to southeast across the viewing area.
Take a look at our SEVERE WEATHER THREATS graphic below. The primary threat with the storms that impact us will be strong, damaging straight line winds up to 70 mph. That can take down trees and power lines. To a lesser degree, an isolated tornado threat is possible with brief spinups of an EF0 or EF1. Hail up to an inch in diameter is also possible.
Below is a snapshot from one of our forecast models of how the weather system and radar may look by Friday late afternoon.
Any storms that develop will have the potential to produce dangerous lightning, large hail, and damaging winds. Tomorrow will start out with a good deal of sunshine and some sun will carry into the afternoon as clouds begin to increase. Breezy southwest winds will drive the mercury well into the 80s and will also help to drive humidity levels much higher by late day/early evening. Straight line damaging winds will be the primary threat, an isolated tornado, and perhaps large hail to a lesser extent.
Some heavy rainfall is on the table as well. Rain amounts look to range from about 0.50" - 1.50" with the potential for pockets of heavier rain if storms train over the same areas.
Stay tuned to FOX 17 for any changes in the timing of these storms that may impact your Friday late afternoon and evening. Get more at www.fox17online.com/weather.
