The 4Warn Weather Team is tracking a combination of potentially dangerous heat and the chance of severe thunderstorms across Southeast Michigan through Thursday night.
A 4Warn Weather Alert has been declared for Wednesday due to the heat advisory and the chance of severe weather at night.
A 4Warn Weather Alert continues through Thursday as hot, humid conditions return before a more widespread round of storms Thursday night.
Wednesday’s active weather comes just one day after two tornadoes were confirmed in Mid-Michigan, serving as a reminder that the severe weather season is in full swing and that paying attention to the weather remains important.
Heat Wednesday
A Heat Advisory is in effect from until 8 p.m. Wednesday for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Lenawee counties.
Afternoon temperatures climbed into the upper 80s and lower 90s across Metro Detroit, while heat index values, or what it actually feels like when humidity is factored in, have reached 100 degrees.
The hot and muggy conditions return Thursday, with highs again reaching the lower 90s in Metro Detroit and heat index values nearing 100 degrees.
Severe weather risk: Wednesday night
The Storm Prediction Center places areas west of I-75 under a slight (level 2 of 5) risk for severe weather on Wednesday evening, while the east side of Southeast Michigan is under a marginal (level 1 of 5) risk. (WDIV)
Isolated strong to severe showers and thunderstorms are possible on Wednesday evening. Then, a round of strong storms is expected to track across Lower Michigan at night.
The Storm Prediction Center places areas west of I-75 under a slight (level 2 of 5) risk for severe weather, while the east side of Southeast Michigan is under a marginal (level 1 of 5) risk.
The most likely window for stronger storms appears to be from roughly 10 p.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. Thursday, though isolated strong storms could develop as early as 6 p.m.
The primary threat will be damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Large hail is also possible, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
One uncertainty is whether the line of storms maintains its strength as it moves into Southeast Michigan late at night.
If they weaken before arriving, the severity of the threat would be reduced.
Thursday night could bring stronger and more widespread storms
Thursday carries the greater severe weather concern.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed areas west of US-23 under an enhanced (level 3 of 5) risk, while locations farther east, including much of Metro Detroit, remain under a slight (level 2 of 5) risk.
A line of thunderstorms is expected to develop along a cold front and race eastward toward Michigan Thursday evening and overnight.
If the line remains organized as it approaches southeast Michigan, it could produce:
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Damaging wind gusts greater than 70 mph
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Large hail
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Brief spin-up tornadoes
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Localized flooding from downpours
The timing currently favors late Thursday night into early Friday morning.
There is still uncertainty regarding how well the storms hold together before reaching Southeast Michigan, but the environment would support severe weather if the line arrives intact.
Cooler air arrives for the weekend
The cold front is expected to move through early Friday, bringing a noticeable break from the heat and humidity.
High temperatures should settle into the lower and middle 80s Friday, upper 80s Saturday, and then fall into the 70s by Sunday and early next week.
A few additional chances of showers return later in the weekend, but severe weather is not expected at this time.
Heat safety tips
When temperatures and humidity climb, heat-related illnesses can develop quickly.
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Drink water frequently, even before you feel thirsty.
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Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
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Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
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Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
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Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
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Check on elderly neighbors, relatives, and anyone without air conditioning.
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and headache.
Move to a cool location and drink water immediately if symptoms develop.
Severe weather safety
Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
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Conditions are favorable for severe storms.
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Be prepared to take action if warnings are issued.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
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A severe thunderstorm is occurring or imminent.
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Move indoors immediately and stay away from windows.
Tornado Watch vs. Warning
Tornado Watch
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Conditions are favorable for tornadoes.
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Review your safety plan and stay alert.
Tornado Warning
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A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar.
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Move immediately to the lowest floor of a sturdy building and take cover behind as many walls as possible.
The 4Warn Weather Team recommends having multiple ways to receive warnings, especially overnight when storms may arrive while many people are asleep. The 4Warn Weather app can provide alerts when warnings are issued for your location.
If you can safely capture weather photos, share them with Local 4 at MIPics.
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