GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Sunshine dominated across West Michigan this past weekend, which was ideal for Tulip Time, the Amway River Bank Run and Mother’s Day.
With abundant sunshine this past weekend, it was likely the sunniest since March 8 to 9, where 90% sunshine was recorded. The first weekend in May and all weekends in April brought rain showers and mostly cloudy conditions.
The official percentage of sunshine this past weekend was not recorded. As of May 1, the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids stopped collecting sunshine data. The Grand Rapids office was only one of the few that continued to track daily minutes of sunshine after it stopped becoming a requirement in 2009. Going forward, it will be unclear how the sunshine stacks up day to day.
Looking at last year, May through July saw a mix of clouds and sunshine. May averaged 56% sunshine while June was slightly cloudier with 53% sunshine.
Soak up the sunshine on Monday, though. The week ahead will be significantly more active with rain chances returning Monday night and carrying through Friday.
A few thunderstorms may develop in the mix, but there is no severe threat for the first half of the week. If a strong storm were to develop, it would likely be on Thursday night into Friday morning…