4Warn Weather – Temperatures are surging back toward 90 degrees across southeast Michigan on Tuesday, but the heat and humidity will also fuel another round of potentially severe thunderstorms after a stormy start to the workweek.
All of Southeast Michigan is under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, and Local 4 has declared a 4Warn Weather Alert for the threat of damaging weather during the afternoon and evening hours.
The main window for intense storms is roughly between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, as a strong cold front pushes into Southeast Michigan.
The storms may produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, torrential rainfall, and even an isolated tornado.
Tuesday’s high temperatures are expected to climb near 90 degrees in Metro Detroit, with heat index values pushing into the mid to upper 90s at times due to the humidity.
Gusty southwest winds will also develop ahead of the approaching cold front.
Monday’s storms already offered a preview of the atmosphere’s potential.
Severe weather reports were submitted from across Southeast Michigan Monday afternoon and evening as severe thunderstorms moved east and northeastward across the region.
In Oakland County, a large tree limb fell onto a house near Rochester Hills at 3:24 p.m., causing roof damage.
Emergency managers also reported multiple power lines down near Barton Hills in Washtenaw County just after 4 p.m.
Farther south, a trained spotter measured an 81 mph wind gust in Dundee in Monroe County at 4:17 p.m. using a handheld anemometer.
At Oakland County International Airport in Waterford, wind gusts reached 58 mph. There were numerous reports, including photos, of downed tree limbs and uprooted trees across Metro Detroit.
Tuesday’s setup could support another round of strong to severe thunderstorms along and ahead of the cold front.
The weather pattern changes dramatically behind the cold front. Temperatures are expected to fall sharply Tuesday night, with highs only reaching the mid-60s on Wednesday under drier air and sunshine.
Cooler-than-normal weather continues Thursday before rain chances return by Friday and into the Memorial Day weekend.
Current projections show temperatures rebounding into the 70s over the holiday weekend, with periodic chances for showers from Friday through Memorial Day on Monday.
While it will not be a washout, residents attending outdoor ceremonies or planning outdoor activities should continue to monitor updated forecasts throughout the week.
With another active severe weather day possible on Tuesday, remember to have multiple ways to receive warnings and to move indoors immediately if thunderstorms approach.
The 4Warn Weather team recommends downloading the free 4Warn Weather app for live Exact Track 4D Radar, severe weather alerts, and updated forecast information throughout the storm threat.
Share any storm or damage photos with Local 4 at MIPics.