Metro Detroiters are cleaning up after powerful storms uprooted trees, downed branches, and left homes and businesses without power.
A line of severe storms, with winds up to 60 mph, raced across Southeast Michigan during the early afternoon. While isolated storms could bring downpours and gusty winds through the evening, the risk of strong storms is low.
Rain showers are expected to end before midnight in Southeast Michigan, under partly to mostly cloudy skies. Overnight lows will be near 70 degrees in much of Metro Detroit and the mid-60s in Ann Arbor, Howell, Flint, Lapeer, and Sandusky.
Wildfire smoke reducing air quality
Sunday will reintroduce a different threat to Metro Detroit.
An Air Quality Alert will blanket Southeast Michigan beginning early Sunday morning and lasting until noon Monday.
Canadian wildfire smoke will reduce air quality for the entire state, including the potential for “very unhealthy” air in the U.P. and Northern Michigan.
Southeast Michigan will have air quality in the “unhealthy for sensitive people” range and levels that are “unhealthy” for everyone. The smoke will be at its worst from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
During the alert period, Metro Detroit is likely to have some of the worst air among the world’s metropolises.
Consider limiting strenuous outdoor activity, especially for people with heart disease or existing respiratory problems. Watch for wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or irritation of the nose, throat and eyes.
It is advised to keep windows closed. If running central air conditioning, filters with a MERV-13 or higher rating are best for filtering smoke.
Otherwise, Sunday will bring relief after Saturday’s stormy conditions. Sunday will be partly cloudy with hazy sunshine. Dress for highs in the mid- to upper-80s, with lower humidity. Heat index values will be a couple of degrees higher than the air temperature. Expect westerly winds at 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday night will be mostly clear, with lows in the mid-60s.
Next Week: Stormy Weather Returns
Next week brings another round of unsettled weather. Monday and Tuesday will be mostly sunny. Temperatures will remain warm, with highs around 90 degrees.
Looking Ahead
A cold front will push through by midweek, potentially bringing a line of thunderstorms. Rain will be possible on Wednesday and Thursday.
Behind the cold front, slightly cooler and drier air is likely to arrive by Friday.
As always, pay attention to weather alerts on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com. Be sure to have the 4Warn Weather app.
Have photos or videos of Saturday’s storms or other weekend weather? Share your updates with the Local 4 team on MIPics!