DETROIT – Very complicated forecast, so let’s get right to it.
Any sun first thing this morning will be quickly replaced by cloud cover, with the chance for some rain very late in the day (best chance is the western part of our area). Highs near 50 degrees (10 degrees Celsius).
East-northeast wind at 8 to 13 mph will keep those of you on the east side near the big lakes in the 40s (7 degrees Celsius).
Today’s sunrise is at 7:09 a.m., and today’s sunset is at 8:04 p.m
The next solid band of rain falls tonight. Lows in the upper 30s to near 40 degrees (4-5 degrees Celsius), and it’s going to start becoming windy.
Things start getting interesting as we move through the day on Thursday. It’s going to be a windy, raw, rainy day with highs in the mid 40s (7 degrees Celsius). Total rainfall amounts between 0.75” and 1” should be easily attainable.
Temps drop Thursday
However, as the day progresses, colder air wrapping into the back side of the storm system affecting us will change the rain to snow. This process begins across northern and western lower Michigan, with the transition gradually edging eastward. By the end of the afternoon, some of us north of I-69 and west of US-23 may start seeing some wet snowflakes. If you are driving up north on Thursday, be aware that treacherous driving conditions may develop up that way.
The transition from rain to wet snow will progress eastward Thursday night, with accumulation possible. There are so many factors to consider when trying to predict the amount of accumulation…things like the thermodynamic profile of the lower atmosphere, air temperature and dewpoint, ground temperature, and lake effect contribution from Lake Huron.
This is an extremely difficult forecast. Based upon the overnight computer models, it would appear that a slushy 1” to 3” is possible over the heart of the area, with 4+” possible for our farther northern and northwestern areas. BUT THIS IS A VERY PRELIMINARY FORECAST…new computer model data coming in later this morning will provide additional guidance.
One other important factor about Thursday and Thursday night is the increasing wind, which could gust to between 30 and 40 mph in the heart of our area and, due to the smooth waters of Lake Huron (relative to the rougher land surface with trees, terrain and buildings), possibly over 50 mph for the Thumb. This is why the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for the Thumb from Thursday morning to Friday morning.
Tigers Opening Day forecast:
Opening Day is going to be a windy, raw day (so what else is new?). Fortunately, any lingering wet snowflakes first thing in the morning should end, and the game will be dry. In fact, skies will clear and I think we’ll be mostly sunny for the game.
However, game temps will only be in the low to mid 40s (6 to 8 degrees Celsius), so you’d better dress warm because wind chills will be in the upper 20s (-2 degrees Celsius). By the way, that strong north wind will be blowing out…good news for the big bats in the Tigers lineup!
Fortunately, the weekend still looks nice, with plenty of sunshine, and highs Saturday in the mid to upper 50s (14 degrees Celsius), and in the mid 60s (18 degrees Celsius) on Sunday…although Sunday may become a bit breezy.
