The forecast from FOX 17 Weather Ready Chief Meteorologist Kevin Craig: After some early morning sunshine today, there is a small chance for a strong storm or two this afternoon with gusty winds, hail, or an isolated tornado. The Storm Prediction Center has West Michigan highlighted in a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5) for severe storms. South of Grand Rapids and I-96, there is a SLIGHT RISK (level 2 out of 5) for today. After the system leaves tonight, another area of low pressure is forecast to move through the region bringing heavy rain and the risk for severe storms Wednesday late afternoon through the overnight. There is a WEATHER READY ALERT for Wednesday as most of West Michigan is in a level 1/5 MARGINAL RISK for severe storms, with a level 2/5 SLIGHT RISK along and south of I-94. Rain totals could be at least 1-2″ area wide, although some of our forecast models are indicating 3″ to 4″ possible in a bulls-eye along/south of I-94 with training thunderstorms over the same area. These are where the flooding concerns will be highest. Overall, this week will be a much cooler week with highs in the 70s. Longer range forecasts suggest the remainder of June may be running below normal for high temperatures. Normal highs for this time of year have us at 80 degrees. Sunday marks the official start of summer at 4:24 A.M.. It’s what we call the summer solstice…the precise time the sun is as far north of the equator as it will ever get (23.5 degrees) and marking the longest day of the year.
TODAY: Some early morning sunshine, otherwise becoming cloudy and breezy with a chance of showers/storms by late morning, but becoming likely this afternoon. Some may be strong to severe with wind, hail, or an isolated tornado…especially south of Grand Rapids and I-96. Highs in the lower 70s. Winds southwest at 10 to 20 mph.
TONIGHT: Evening showers/ storms, otherwise partly to mostly cloudy overnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds southwest at 5 to 10 mph…