Forecast: Gorgeous Wednesday ahead for metro Detroit

But big cool-down is in extended forecast

DETROIT – Before getting to the forecast, just a quick note that I'm back from a wonderful vacation in northern Michigan, including my first trip to the Upper Peninsula.

If you've never been "north of the Bridge," then this is a trip you have to take sometime -- I couldn't help but think that the U.P. is where the Pure Michigan advertising campaign originated. Included in my trip was a tour of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (amazing -- click to view picture), and a night at the Big Bay Lighthouse (click to view picture) on Lake Superior -- spectacular time spent at this Bed 'n' Breakfast in a functioning lighthouse that was built in 1896!

Oh, and yes, I did officially become indoctrinated by eating (and very much enjoying) the U.P. staple known as a pastie! (view picture here)

Alright, on to the forecast:

Skies will clear tonight, and you'll definitely notice a sharp drop in the humidity. Lows should average near 60, with the colder northern and western suburbs probably dropping into the mid to upper 50s. Light west wind.

Our hump day (is it still called Hump Day if Monday was a holiday?) looks fantastic, with pleasantly warm temperatures, and very comfortable humidity under mostly sunny skies. Highs in the low 80s, with a light wind from the south-southwest.

Mostly clear to partly cloudy Wednesday night. There is a small chance for some late night thunderstorms well north of I-69, but this is highly uncertain. Lows in the mid 60s.

Partly cloudy, warmer, and more humid on Thursday. I think the balance of the day should be dry for most of us, but there is a continued small thunderstorm chance north of I-69. Highs in the mid 80s.

Thursday night will be warm and uncomfortably muggy -- but it's just for one night. Lows near 70.

Continued warm and humid on Friday, with thunderstorms developing. Intense storms with strong wind gusts and torrential rainfall are possible. Highs in the mid 80s.

Friday night storms end sometimes between midnight and dawn. Lows in the upper 50s.

Partly cloudy and much cooler on Saturday. Highs only in the low 70s (perhaps upper 60s for those of you in the far north). Clearing skies and becoming quite chilly Saturday night, with lows in the low 50s.

Mostly sunny on Sunday, with highs in the low 70s. Mostly clear Sunday night, with lows in the low 50s.

Then expect mostly sunny skies and gradual warming Monday and Tuesday, with highs in the mid 70s on Monday, and into the upper 70s on Tuesday.