Whoever came up with that Pure Michigan campaign certainly had to envision days like this. Breezy southwest winds pushed temperatures well into the 60s (18-19 degrees Celsius) this afternoon, with abundant sunshine for all to enjoy.
I’d like to take a moment to expand upon yesterday’s jet stream discussion, since a lot of people are asking how long this stretch of gorgeous weather will last. Here’s the jet stream pattern for the rest of this week:
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In case you missed yesterday’s article, the jet stream is actually a pretty simple concept: it’s the snake-like band of strongest wind aloft. So why is it important? Because the jet stream is the general track of storms crossing the country, as well as the dividing line between significantly warmer and colder air masses. When the jet is to our north, as it is through the weekend, we’re generally warm and dry. But this pattern won’t last forever, it will eventually break down, and I know exactly when that’s going to happen:
Take a look at the big dip that develops over the Great Lakes early next week. This will bring a much cooler, more showery pattern that won’t budge soon. In fact, the air will be cold enough aloft that it wouldn’t surprise me to see some sleet mixed in with the showers on Tuesday and Wednesday. But until then, enjoy this spectacular week of Pure Michigan sunshine and mild temperatures!
Tonight will be mostly clear, with lows in the mid 40s (7-8 degrees Celsius), and perhaps a bit cooler in the farthest rural areas. Southwest wind at 5 to 10 mph.
Mostly sunny once again on Wednesday, with highs in the upper 60s (20 degrees Celsius). South wind at 10 to 15 mph.
Wednesday’s sunrise is at 7:50 a.m., and Wednesday’s sunset is at 6:46 p.m.
Mostly clear Wednesday night, with lows in the low 50s (11 degrees Celsius).
Mostly sunny on Thursday…you won’t even know that a weak cold front will cross the area midday with perhaps just a few harmless clouds. Highs near 70 degrees (21 degrees Celsius). The jet stream being so far to our north means that the dynamics needed to generate clouds and rain will also be too far north to cause us any trouble.
Mostly clear Thursday night, with lows in the mid 40s (8 degrees Celsius).
Sunny on Friday, with highs near 70 degrees (21 degrees Celsius).
Clear Friday night, with lows in the low 50s (11 degrees Celsius).
Mostly sunny on Saturday, with highs in the low 70s (22 degrees Celsius).
Mostly clear Saturday night, with lows in the mid 50s (13 degrees Celsius).
Sunday still poses a question mark. As I mentioned yesterday, our two main long range computer models differ on the timing of the approaching cold front at the lead edge of that developing dip in the jet stream discussed above. The ECMWF model is consistent in holding off the rain until Sunday night, while the GFS model is steadfast in bringing it in during the afternoon. I’m still leaning toward the ECMWF solution, albeit cautiously. If you have outdoor plans Sunday afternoon, keep checking the awesome radar display on our FREE Local4Casters app. If you’re the only one who still hasn’t downloaded it onto your phone, just search the app store under “WDIV”…it’s right there. And remember that our app sends you a push alert telling you when lightning or rain is approaching your area. Assuming that the Sunday rain holds off until either very late in the day or Sunday night, highs should reach the low to mid 70s (23 degrees Celsius). .
