Thursday’s thunderstorms produced pockets of severe weather across parts of Southeast Michigan, while much of Metro Detroit escaped the strongest storms.
Storm reports Thursday afternoon and evening included golf ball-sized hail in Capac and Emmett in St. Clair County.
Quarter-sized hail was reported in Deerfield Township in Lapeer County.
The reports aligned with earlier forecasts that placed the greatest severe weather threat across the Thumb and Tri-Cities.
Across Southeast Michigan, many communities experienced rain and thunderstorms, with some downpours and gusty winds, but most of Metro Detroit avoided widespread severe weather.
As the cold front exits, a much quieter weather pattern settles in for the weekend.
Friday
Friday will be cooler, with highs in the mid-70s.
Much of Southeast Michigan should remain dry, although a few showers are possible near and south of I-94 Friday evening.
Saturday and Sunday
The weekend looks favorable for outdoor plans.
High temperatures climb to around 80 on Saturday and lower 80s on Sunday under a mix of sun and clouds.
The stretch of comfortable weather should provide good conditions for festivals, youth sports, cookouts, and the remaining games of the Astros-Tigers series at Comerica Park, with first pitches scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Friday, 1:10 p.m. Saturday, and 1:40 p.m. Sunday.
Attention then turns to what could become the biggest weather story of the season so far.
Workweek Heat
A strengthening dome of high pressure will build across the Great Lakes early next week, sending temperatures sharply higher.
Highs are expected to approach 90 degrees on Monday before climbing well into the 90s on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
With rising humidity, heat index values are forecast to exceed 100 degrees at times.
If Metro Detroit reaches at least 90 degrees for three consecutive days, it would officially qualify as a heat wave.
The current 4Warn Weather forecasts suggest that scenario is becoming increasingly likely.
The timing is significant as many families finalize outdoor plans ahead of the Fourth of July holiday week.
Prolonged heat can quickly become dangerous, particularly for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and anyone without access to air conditioning.
It will be essential to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives.
After Thursday’s thunderstorms, Southeast Michigan’s weather story shifts from isolated severe storms to what could become a dangerous heat wave.
Do you have storm photos, including images of the hail that impacted parts of the region? Share your photos with Local 4 at MIPics.