Detroit rolled in today under a blanket of clouds and comfy temps around 66°F, but the calm is temporary. Readings are expected to climb into the upper 70s to low 80s this afternoon as south-southwest winds pick up. The real story, though, is a heightened risk of strong to severe thunderstorms tonight, mainly between about 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., with storms capable of sending wind gusts up to 60 mph, dropping large hail and spinning up isolated tornadoes. That one-two punch of gusty winds and heavy rain could derail evening plans and make the late-night drive home downright hazardous.
What To Expect Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to fire up late this evening and carry on into the overnight hours, with the most active window focused on roughly 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Detroit warn that some storms may pack damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes, with pockets of heavy rain that could trigger brief urban flooding. New rainfall totals of about one-half to three-quarters of an inch are likely, with locally higher amounts where storms repeatedly pass over the same spots, according to the National Weather Service.
Flooding And Travel Impacts
With the ground already soggy from earlier rain and more storms expected to roll through Wednesday and Thursday, localized flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas is on the table and some area rivers could see levels rise. Drivers should be ready for sudden drops in visibility and standing water on streets during heavier bursts of rain, so build in extra time for evening outings and check for any transit or airport alerts before you leave.
Afternoon Winds And Temperatures
Before the storms, this afternoon should feel more like a preview of summer, with highs near 80 to 81°F and southwest winds around 15 mph, gusting into the mid to upper 20s. Those gusts could spell trouble for boaters and any loose outdoor gear ahead of the evening line of storms. Small craft advisories are in effect for nearshore waters, and mariners are urged to avoid exposed waters until conditions settle down. Keep weather alerts enabled on your devices, since thunderstorm-driven gusts can ramp up quickly and may reach damaging strength in the most intense cells.
How To Prepare
Take a few minutes this afternoon to charge phones, tie down or bring in patio furniture and move outdoor plans inside in case storms arrive right on schedule. Try to avoid being on the road if a thunderstorm is moving through your neighborhood. Treat any downed power lines or flood-covered roads as dangerous and report problems to local authorities. Keep pets indoors and have a flashlight ready in case the lights go out. For the latest watches and warnings, follow the Detroit office of the National Weather Service or tune in to local emergency channels.
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