Summer has officially arrived.
Astronomical summer began at 4:24 a.m. Sunday with the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The season’s arrival comes with a fitting forecast across Southeast Michigan — sunshine, comfortable temperatures and plenty of opportunities for families to celebrate Father’s Day outdoors before rain arrives later tonight.
For many families, Father’s Day begins with church services, brunches and morning gatherings. Weather conditions will cooperate nicely through the first half of the day, except areas of patchy dense fog north of M-59. The morning’s sunshine will give way to increasing clouds and temperatures climbing through the 60s.
By brunch time, readings will be approaching 70 degrees under a mix of sunshine and clouds. Light winds and comfortable humidity levels should make for ideal conditions on restaurant patios, golf courses and parks.
The afternoon remains favorable for Father’s Day cookouts, backyard gatherings and family outings.
Temperatures will reach the mid to upper 70s across Metro Detroit, several degrees below average for the first day of summer. While clouds continue increasing throughout the afternoon, most locations stay dry until evening.
The biggest forecast concern arrives after sunset.
Showers begin developing Sunday evening before becoming more widespread overnight. A few thunderstorms are also possible. The steadiest rainfall is expected between roughly 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., especially south of Interstate 69.
Rainfall totals of one-half inch to one inch are expected across much of southern Lower Michigan, with isolated amounts approaching 1.5 inches possible closer to the Ohio border. Localized ponding on roads and brief urban flooding may occur where heavier downpours develop.
For families planning Father’s Day dinners outdoors, conditions should remain largely cooperative through early evening, but having an indoor backup plan is recommended for celebrations lasting later into the night.
Monday
The rain continues into Monday morning before gradually tapering off and ending around midday.
That timing is especially important as hundreds of thousands of people prepare for the Ford Fireworks, one of the region’s signature summer traditions.
Many spectators will begin claiming viewing spots Monday morning along the Detroit River in both Downtown Detroit and Downtown Windsor. Early birds may encounter cloudy skies, damp pavement and lingering showers.
By afternoon, conditions steadily improve as the rain exits and skies begin to brighten. Temperatures will climb into the middle 70s with a northeast breeze.
By the time the fireworks begin shortly after 10 p.m., weather conditions are expected to be dry and cool.
Temperatures should fall from around 70 degrees at 8 p.m. to the middle 60s by showtime. Skies are expected to become mostly clear, providing excellent viewing opportunities from both sides of the river.
Spectators may want a light jacket or hoodie, as temperatures will likely fall into the lower 60s by 11 p.m.
The overall message for the start of summer: enjoy Father’s Day plans during the daylight hours, prepare for night rain, and look forward to improving conditions for Monday night’s Ford Fireworks celebration.
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