4Warn Weather – If it feels like you are trapped in a steam room, you are not alone. Another day of dangerous heat is on the way to Metro Detroit and all of Southeast Michigan.
The National Weather Service continues an Extreme Heat Warning until 8 p.m. Thursday, with the hottest conditions expected Thursday afternoon.
High temperatures will climb into the upper 90s, while the combination of heat and humidity will push Thursday’s heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees in many communities.
Even after the warning expires Thursday evening, Friday will remain very hot with highs in the mid 90s and heat index values topping 100 degrees.
A 4Warn Weather Alert continues through Friday.
One of the biggest concerns is that there is very little relief after sunset. Overnight temperatures will only fall into the mid 70s, making it difficult for homes without air conditioning to cool down and giving the body less time to recover before another hot afternoon arrives.
Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear lightweight clothing, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon. It is also important to check on elderly neighbors, young children, and anyone without reliable cooling.
It is imperative to never to leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short time. Pet owners should also remember that pavement temperatures can become much hotter than the air and may burn paws within seconds.
While the heat remains the primary concern, there will also be opportunities for thunderstorms late this week.
Strong to severe storms possible
A marginal risk, or Level 1 out of 5, for severe weather is in place Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. Storms are expected to be isolated and highly dependent on whether enough instability develops to overcome a cap in the atmosphere. Most communities will remain completely dry.
However, any storm that forms could quickly become strong, producing damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter.
Storm chances increase on Friday as the weather pattern becomes more favorable for thunderstorm development. Another marginal risk for severe weather covers all of Southeast Michigan. While not everyone will see storms, Friday is expected to offer a better opportunity for scattered thunderstorms than Thursday.
People should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including enabling notifications on the 4Warn Weather App, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours when storms are most likely to develop.
The forecast also turns more unsettled over the Independence Day weekend, with additional chances for showers and thunderstorms along with gradually cooler temperatures. While highs will ease back into the upper 80s and lower 90s, humidity will remain high.
Share your weather photos and how you are staying cool with Local 4 at MIPics.