The atmosphere above us is quite unstable this afternoon and this, combined with an approaching very weak cold front, will trigger scattered storms this afternoon into the early evening hours.
To give you an idea of how fast these storms can develop, a torrential rainstorm popped up over downtown Detroit in just fifteen minutes between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m., and I’m not exaggerating: the radar went from nothing to a blob of red in only fifteen minutes. I mention this so you understand that, if you’ll be outside, scattered storms will pop quickly this afternoon. While severe weather appears to be a very low risk, there is the potential for some hail and perhaps some gusty winds with a couple of storms…but I think that our greatest threat will be lightning and intense downpours. PLEASE frequently check the radar on the Local4Casters app. If you don’t have it yet, just download it from the app store by searching under “WDIV.” And best of all: it’s free!
Storms should quickly wind down this evening, although the first part of the Tigers game could be impacted if any more storms develop near downtown. Lows by morning in the mid to upper 60s (19 degrees Celsius). Southwest wind at 3 to 6 mph. This evening’s sunset is at 9:12 p.m.
Partly cloudy on Friday, with some widely scattered storms once again popping up mid-to-late afternoon, and settling down early evening. Highs in the mid to upper 80s (31 degrees Celsius). Southwest wind at 10 to 15 mph.
Friday’s sunrise is at 5:56 a.m., and Friday’s sunset is at 9:12 p.m.
Mostly cloudy Friday night, with lows in the upper 60s (20 degrees Celsius).
The Weekend:
You know that I’ve been closely monitoring your weekend weather all week and, while things are still not 100% clear as to the thunderstorm timing, I think I’m developing enough confidence to try and delve into some details today. Saturday could potentially start with some showers, but I think there will be a break for the middle part of the day. Regardless of whether or not we get any rain early in the morning, scattered thunderstorm chances increase by mid-to-late afternoon. It’ll be humid, with highs in the mid 80s (30 degrees Celsius).
Showers and thunderstorms are likely Saturday night, with muggy lows in the low 70s (22 degrees Celsius).
Scattered shower and thunderstorm chances on Sunday should be in the morning…possibly extending into the early afternoon. But, as long as the approaching cold front’s timing doesn’t radically change, we should be dry and still warm for the mid-to-late afternoon period. It may become a little breezy, but breezy isn’t important if you’ll be grilling for Father’s Day dinner. Highs once the sun comes out behind the front should reach the mid 80s again (30 degrees Celsius).
The Cooldown – Still on Schedule:
The Sunday cold front will usher in a brand new air mass…cooler and drier air. Monday will start with some sunshine, but clouds will develop by late morning / early afternoon, and some scattered afternoon showers are possible. Highs in the mid to upper 70s (25 degrees Celsius) will certainly be a relief for those of you who found this past week to be too hot, and especially for those without air conditioning.
Partly cloudy Monday night, with lows in the upper 50s (15 degrees Celsius).
Partly cloudy on Tuesday, with highs in the upper 70s (26 degrees Celsius).
Partly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms Wednesday through Friday, with highs in the mid 80s (28-31 degrees Celsius).
Up North This Weekend:
If you are taking a long weekend and heading up north tomorrow, here are some maps to give you an idea of what to expect, weather-wise:
Next Weekend:
My long range maps suggest that next weekend will be a spectacular summer weekend! This could change, of course, but the two main long range models I rely upon agree on this scenario right now.