Motor City Pride weekend is shaping up to be a tale of two forecasts across Metro Detroit.
The weekend begins with rounds of showers and thunderstorms Friday night and Saturday, including the possibility of a few strong storms, before sunshine and more comfortable conditions return Sunday.
Then attention turns to next week, when temperatures could soar into the lower 90s, making it feel more like mid-July than early June.
After a stretch of mostly dry weather, warmer and more humid air has returned to Southeast Michigan, helping fuel showers and thunderstorms moving through the region Friday evening and overnight.
The strongest storms on Friday night are expected between evening and midnight.
While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, a few storms could produce wind gusts of 40-60 mph, brief downpours, and frequent lightning.
Showers may linger into the early morning hours on Saturday.
Saturday
Saturday brings another opportunity for thunderstorms, and some could become strong to severe during the afternoon.
The greatest concern appears to be from around noon through 6 p.m. as a cold front moves across Lower Michigan.
Most of Southeast Michigan remains under a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather, while part of Monroe County sits in a Level 2 risk area extending north from Ohio.
The primary threats on Saturday will be damaging wind gusts and hail. Some storms could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail around 1 inch in diameter.
Heavy rainfall and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning will also accompany any stronger storms.
Anyone heading to Hart Plaza for Motor City Pride should have a way to receive weather alerts and be prepared to move indoors if storms approach.
What’s the difference between a watch and a warning?
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm is occurring or expected shortly, and immediate action should be taken.
When a warning is issued, move indoors, stay away from windows, and wait for the storm to pass.
The good news is that storms should move through quickly, and conditions are expected to improve by Saturday evening.
Sunday
Sunday looks like the best day of the weekend.
Sunshine is expected to return with lower humidity and temperatures climbing into the middle 80s across Detroit and much of Metro Detroit.
Communities across the Thumb, including Lapeer County, should be a few degrees cooler.
It will be a much more comfortable day for outdoor festivals, riverfront activities, dining, and recreation.
Workweek
The quiet weather does not last long.
Temperatures are expected to climb steadily next week as a large dome of warm air builds across the eastern half of the country. Highs should reach the mid- and upper 80s on Tuesday before climbing to around 90 degrees on Wednesday and the lower 90s on Thursday.
Humidity levels will also increase, making it feel even warmer. Some communities could experience heat index values approaching 100 degrees mid-and late week.
Thunderstorm chances are expected to return Tuesday and Wednesday as the heat and humidity build.
Some of those storms could become strong.
For now, Metro Detroit residents should keep an eye on the sky through Saturday afternoon, especially if attending Pride festivities or spending other time outdoors.
By Sunday, the weather should cooperate nicely before the heat turns up next week.
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