DETROIT – Some thunderstorms developed over southwest lower Michigan Thursday evening, which was expected, and most of this was also expected to move east-southeast into northern Ohio and Indiana.
However, one additional storm developed on the northern edge of this area, and that storm will cross areas generally south of I-696 with torrential rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
As long as the storm behaves itself and doesn’t generate any severe weather, this will be rain that we desperately need.
Lows in the upper-60s (20 degrees Celsius) means it will be another uncomfortable sleeping night for those without air conditioning. West-southwest wind at 3 to 6 mph.
Thursday evening’s sunset is at 9:03 p.m., and Friday morning’s sunrise is at 6:17 a.m.
Friday
Partly cloudy skies first thing Friday morning will become mostly sunny, and it’ll be another hot day with highs in the low-90s (32 to 33 degrees Celsius). West-southwest wind at 8 to 12 mph.
Mostly clear Friday night, with lows in the upper-60s (20 degrees Celsius).
Weekend forecast
Saturday’s daytime hours should be mostly dry, although a stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Many more of us won’t see a drop than will, but if you have outdoor plans, sneak a peek at the Local4Casters app’s real-time radar from time to time just to avoid any surprises. Highs Saturday once again in the low-90s (32 to 33 degrees Celsius).
Saturday night is the timeframe of greatest concern (and some uncertainty) for me. Severe storms are going to erupt west of Michigan, mostly in Wisconsin. This special type of cluster of severe storms is called an MCS (mesoscale convective system), and they generally blow up at night. The question is the track and timing. First, as far as the track is concerned, it does appear that the MCS may cross our area, although there can obviously be some significant track adjustments between now and then since the storms won’t even exist until Saturday late afternoon/evening.
The timing, in my opinion, is just as critical because, as I mentioned above, these MCSs are most potent at night and start to decay after daybreak. IF we can delay its arrival until mid-morning, then maybe we’ll dodge the worst of it and just get some much-needed rain. However, I’m seeing more suggestions among the models that it’ll arrive before dawn, which gives us some risk for severe storms between midnight and dawn Saturday night / Sunday morning. I strongly advise you to keep up to date with the latest here on Local 4, Local 4+, ClickOnDetroit.com, and, of course, the Local4Casters weather app.
Saturday night will become increasingly steamy, with lows in the low-to-mid 70s (22 to 23 degrees Celsius).
Sunday
Showers and thunderstorms are still possible during the day on Sunday, and it’s a better chance than on Saturday, so if you have some outdoor chores you need to get done this weekend, you may want to plan on doing them Saturday and use Sunday as a back-up. Humid highs Sunday are in the upper 80s (31 degrees Celsius).
Remember to download the FREE Local4Casters weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation. Just search your app store under WDIV and it’s right there available for both iPhones and Androids! Or click the appropriate link below.