Southeast Michigan is baking under another round of unseasonably hot weather this weekend, as the conditions elevate the fire danger.
Temperatures continue to soar well above normal for early October. Detroit reached 87 degrees on Saturday, which is just shy of its 1951 record of 89 degrees. Flint warmed to 89 degrees, which broke its old record of 88 degrees from 1951.
Metro Detroit’s average high for this weekend is 67, which means temperatures were 20 degrees above normal on Saturday.
The heat comes during an exceptionally dry stretch that is leaving most of the region parched. The unusually high temperatures, sunshine, low humidity, and gusty southwest winds are combining to create an elevated fire danger through the weekend. The risk of outdoor fires is “very high” to “extreme” for Sunday.
Dry Conditions Worsen Drought
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, much of Metro Detroit was classified as “abnormally dry,” with moderate drought spreading across areas north and west of the Detroit—including Chelsea, Ann Arbor, Milford, Flint, Clarkston, Lapeer, Romeo, and Port Huron. Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City were experiencing severe drought.
The lack of meaningful rainfall in recent weeks has dried out soil and vegetation. That will make it easier for fires to start and spread quickly.
Lawns are browning, and trees are showing early signs of stress. Without significant rain, drought conditions are expected to expand heading into mid-October. Problems will also likely arise in the spring,
Fire Safety and Heat Precautions
It is recommended to delay any outdoor burning or bonfires, avoid discarding cigarettes on the ground, and keep grills away from dry grass or leaves. Even small sparks from vehicles or lawn equipment could ignite brush fires in current conditions.
Meanwhile, the summerlike heat calls for extra caution outdoors. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Check on children, pets, and the elderly, and never leave anyone in a parked vehicle—even briefly.
Saturday Night’s Forecast
Overnight conditions will stay mild under mostly clear skies. Lows will be in the upper-50s to lower-60s — about 10 to 15 degrees above normal. Ann Arbor will dip to about 58 degrees, while Detroit, Southgate, Royal Oak, Eastpointe, Grosse Ile will stay on the warmer end of the temperature range.
Sunday
Sunday will bring another sun-filled and hot day, with highs near 85 degrees and southwest winds 5 to 10 mph and gusts in excess of 20 mph.
Looking Ahead
The heat continues into Monday, followed by a cold front late Monday night that brings a chance of showers and storms Tuesday.
Temperatures then tumble midweek, with highs only in the lower-60s by Wednesday and Thursday, marking the first real taste of fall since late September.
Metro Detroit remains locked in a summerlike pattern through the weekend before fall finally returns midweek. Until then, people are urged to be fire smart, stay hydrated, and use caution outdoors as this rare October heat keeps conditions both hot and hazardous.
How are you staying cool and dealing with this October weather? Share your weather photos with the 4Warn Weather team at MIPics.