4Warn Weather – Memorial Day weekend in Southeast Michigan is shaping up to be a tale of two forecasts: a chilly, rainy start followed by a warm and pleasant finish just in time for Memorial Day ceremonies, cookouts, and travel plans.
Clouds will continue to thicken Friday evening as a developing storm system tracks toward the Ohio Valley.
While most of Friday night stays dry, scattered showers are expected to begin arriving after midnight, especially from Metro Detroit and southward.
Rain becomes widespread Saturday morning across Southeast Michigan, making for a soggy start to the holiday weekend.
The steadiest rain is expected in the morning, with periods of moderate rainfall possible.
Showers will begin to taper off from south to north in the afternoon. Detroit is likely to see showers ending before evening.
Some communities could pick up around half an inch, or locally more than an inch, of rainfall by the time the system exits.
The rain will likely transition from steady and widespread in the morning to more scattered showers during the afternoon before tapering Saturday evening.
While thunderstorm chances appear limited, a rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out late Saturday or again Sunday as another disturbance approaches.
Temperatures on Saturday will struggle to climb, especially north of Detroit. Cooler air near Lake Huron and persistent east winds will keep highs around 60 degrees in parts of the Thumb, while Detroit and Downriver should reach the mid-60s.
Gusty east winds could reach close to 30 mph at times, adding an even chillier feel.
Sunday
Sunday will not be a washout, but it also won’t be completely dry.
The morning may offer a temporary break in the rain with mainly cloudy skies and improving temperatures.
By afternoon and evening, scattered showers and a possible thunderstorm are expected to redevelop.
High temperatures will rebound into the mid-70s, making Sunday noticeably warmer than Saturday despite the continued rain chances.
Anyone planning outdoor activities this weekend should keep rain gear nearby and stay weather-aware, especially Saturday morning and again later Sunday.
Yard work, graduation parties, sports, grilling, and cemetery visits could be interrupted by passing showers.
Saturday appears to be the roughest weather day overall, while Sunday may offer longer dry stretches between rounds of rain.
Monday
The good news for holiday travelers and Memorial Day events is that Monday currently looks excellent across Southeast Michigan.
Skies are expected to turn partly to mostly sunny on Memorial Day, with afternoon temperatures climbing close to 80 degrees, which is warmer than the historical average high of 76 degrees for Memorial Day in Detroit.
The weather should cooperate for any outdoor events.
Looking ahead
Warm and mainly dry weather is expected to continue into the middle of next week, with highs returning to the lower 80s on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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