DETROIT – As I explained yesterday, we have a massive ridge of high pressure sliding overhead this weekend.
However, this is one of those uncommon situations where high pressure does not equate bright, sunny skies. A layer of moisture (higher humidity) 1,500-2,000 feet above the surface is being trapped by a very strong temperature inversion. You and I are seeing that trapped moisture in the form of today's cloud cover, and we won't see much change over the weekend.
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Look for mostly cloudy skies tonight, with lows in the upper 20s to near 30. Light wind from the west-northwest.
Mostly cloudy on Saturday, with highs near 40. Southwest wind at 8 to 13 mph.
Cloudy Saturday night with a bit of drizzle possible late at night. Lows in the mid 30s.
Note: Right now, it doesn't look favorable for seeing any clearing Saturday evening but, if we do, remember that this is the peak night for the annual Geminid Meteor Shower. The Geminids are typically one of the best and most reliable of the annual meteor showers. This meteor shower is considered one of the best opportunities for younger viewers who don't stay up late, because it gets going around 9 or 10 p.m. local time. This year, the last quarter moon will rise around midnight, making the prime time for viewing the first half of the night. If the clouds hold off, we could possibly see 120 meteors per hour!
By the way, in case you were wondering, those "shooting stars" are actually little bits of rock the size of a Grape Nuts cereal nugget, and burn up when they hit our atmosphere travelling at 22 miles per SECOND!
Also, in case you haven't heard, Saturday is the last sequential date of our lifetime -- the date will be 12-13-14! Sounds like a good reason to throw a little impromptu party, if you ask me. So, when's the next time that happens? January 2nd, 2103 (1-2-3).
Cloudy on Sunday with patches of drizzle possible, but this won't stop temperatures from rising well above average into the mid 40s.
Cloudy Sunday night, with lows near 40.
Cloudy on Monday, with highs in the upper 40s.
Rain develops late Monday night. Lows in the mid 30s.
Rain likely on Tuesday -- possibly mixed with a couple of wet snowflakes late in the day. Highs in the low 40s.
A few snow showers are possible Tuesday night. Lows in the low 30s.
Mostly cloudy and windy on Wednesday, with a few snow showers possible. Highs in the mid 30s.
Partly cloudy on Thursday, with highs in the mid 30s.
Mostly sunny on Friday, with highs in the upper 30s.