Detroit woke up to clear skies and a mild 52°F at 5:40 a.m. EDT today, but the calm start is just the warmup act. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in this afternoon, especially south of the city, with some heavier cells in the mix. A cold front will sweep through tonight and send temperatures tumbling into Friday.
Afternoon Storms And Timing
Spotty rain showers are possible between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with showers and thunderstorms becoming likely as the afternoon wears on. Temperatures should climb to around 65°F before sliding back into the mid-50s late in the day. Gusty WSW winds of 6 to 12 mph are expected, with stronger gusts up to about 20 mph. New rainfall amounts of a quarter to a half inch are possible, and brief heavy downpours could knock down visibility in a hurry, according to the National Weather Service.
Slight Severe Risk South Of I-94
Areas along and south of Interstate 94 are in a Slight Risk for severe storms, with the prime window running from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM today. Scattered storms could fire up with damaging straight-line winds, large hail and an isolated tornado, with the greatest threat focused south of I-94. Residents are urged to stay alert for watches or warnings this afternoon and to check the NWS Detroit homepage for updates.
Commute And Urban Flooding
Stronger storms could unload heavy downpours that lead to localized ponding in low spots and quick rises on small streams, mainly south of M-59. Large-scale river flooding is not expected, and flash-flood guidance remains relatively high, so most neighborhoods should avoid major flooding unless storms repeatedly track over the same area. Plan on a slower commute, give yourself extra travel time and steer clear of flooded underpasses, according to the National Weather Service.
Tonight Into Friday
Behind the storms, the cold front will slam the door on the mild air. Lows will drop to around 30°F Thursday night with brisk NNE winds and gusts up to about 23 mph. Friday looks raw and blustery, with highs only near 40°F. A few rogue flurries or graupel showers are possible along the Lake Huron Thumb shoreline, but most of the metro area will stay dry and just plain chilly. Boaters should pay close attention to current Small Craft Advisories for parts of Lake Huron and local waterways and keep an eye on the NWS Detroit page for marine updates.
How To Prepare
Keep rain gear handy, secure loose outdoor furniture and be ready to haul any outdoor plans inside if storms start to pop. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for your area, head to a sturdy building, move away from windows and stay put until the storm has passed.
