This final full day of winter is delivering 70-day weather and a chance of nighttime storms to Metro Detroit. The first day of spring will bring rain and snow showers to Southeast Michigan.
Before the precipitation moves into Metro Detroit, we will enjoy a warm day and comfortable day. Temperatures will rise into the 60s by late morning and peak near 70 degrees in the afternoon. Southerly winds will be 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
The outdoor warning sirens will sound in many Michigan communities for the Statewide Tornado Drill at 1 p.m.
This evening, with temperatures in the 60s, showers and thunderstorms will start moving into the region. A few thunderstorms could become strong and an isolated storm could reach severe limits. Most of Southeast Michigan is under a marginal, or level one of five, threat. A brief, isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Apart from the showers and thunderstorms, winds will be out of the south at 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Temperatures will fall to the lower to mid 50s around midnight.
Thursday
Those early morning temperatures will be the peak temperatures for Thursday, and it will become cooler throughout the day.
Spring
The spring equinox will occur at 5:01 a.m.
Expect a rainy start to Thursday, but rain will begin to transition to rain and snow showers during the morning. Afternoon temperatures will have fallen into the 30s. Afternoon winds will be out of the northwest at 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
Under mostly clear to partly cloudy skies, Thursday night’s temperatures will fall into the mid 20s to 30 degrees.
Friday
Expect a calmer Friday. Under mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies, highs will be in the lower 50s.
Saturday
Highs will be in the mid 40s on Saturday, and we will have the chance of rain and snow showers in the morning and early afternoon. Lows will be in the mid 20s.
Sunday
Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with highs in the lower to mid 40s. Rain showers will arrive at night.
Sunday, March 16 - Saturday, March 22 marks Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan. Review safety and preparedness plans to keep yourself and your family safe. Watch Local 4 News daily for tips and best practices.
