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Metro Detroit severe weather breakdown: When to expect high winds, tornado chance

Storms possible Wednesday afternoon

Severe weather prediction center. (NWS)

4Warn Weather – Here’s what to know about possible severe weather in Metro Detroit on Wednesday.

The threat of severe weather arrives this afternoon. Before then, though, the day will be mostly cloudy and mild. Temps start in the 50s.

In the wake of a warm front, temperatures will rise close to 70 degrees midday. But, expect thunderstorms to develop along a cold front this afternoon. Strong to severe storms will be possible.

Storm timeline

Scattered showers are possible in the early afternoon.

Around 2 p.m., a broken line of thunderstorms will develop along a cold front. Storms will first reach western counties in Southeast Michigan and will move eastward across our region at 40 mph.

Storms are mostly possible between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday. The strong storms should move out by 7 p.m., though some showers may still linger around that time.

Storm threats

There is a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms, particularly along and south of I-69. There is a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather in the Thumb region.

Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph are the main threat, but large hail, minor flooding and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

Tonight’s sunset is at 8:18 p.m.

Rain returns late Thursday

Thursday will be partly sunny. Additional showers are expected late Thursday night into Friday morning as another cold front passes.

This front will bring highs near 60 degrees Friday, and only in the 50s through the weekend. Expect a mix of sun and clouds this weekend.

We’re looking at a seasonal start to the next work week. For those planning to do outdoor volunteering on Earth Day, mostly sunny skies and low 60s are forecast for Monday.

We’ll stay in the 60s for the NFL Draft in Downtown Detroit later next week.

Elsewhere ...

Nationally, our severe weather on Wednesday stretches across most of the lower Great Lakes and Ohio Valley. Otherwise, moderate to heavy mountain snowfall is on tap for the northern Rockies. Warm temperatures build in throughout the South and desert Southwest. Chillier weather will then begin to build in for the upper Great Lakes and northern Rockies.


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About the Author
Ashlee Baracy headshot

Ashlee Baracy is an Emmy award-winning meteorologist who was born and raised in Metro Detroit. You can catch her 4Warn Weather forecasts weekday mornings, at noon and streaming on Local4+.

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