Detroit rolled out of bed to clear skies and a frosty chill today, with early-morning temperatures stuck in the upper 30s across the metro area. The cold will not last long, though, as a quick warmup pushes afternoon highs toward 65. Southwest winds are set to strengthen through the day, with sustained speeds of 60 mph and gusts up to about 32 mph, so the late-morning and afternoon commute will feel plenty breezy. A Frost Advisory for southeast Michigan stays in effect until 8 a.m. EDT, which means gardeners still need to cover tender plants or haul potted favorites indoors for a few more hours of protection.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
By afternoon, southwest winds will be flexing, with gusts up to 32 mph possible, especially in more open neighborhoods and along lakeshore roads. Small Craft Advisories are posted for parts of Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair and the Michigan waters of Lake Erie, according to the National Weather Service. Expect those quick, punchy gusts that can flip an unsecured lawn chair, send recycling bins rolling and make walking or biking with an umbrella feel like a full-contact sport during the warmest part of the day.
Monday Warmup, Tuesday Showers
Temperatures jump again tomorrow, with afternoon highs climbing into the mid 70s ahead of a slow-moving cold front. That front brings a better chance for showers and thunderstorms tomorrow night until Tuesday. The strongest chance for wet weather arrives on Tuesday, when steadier rain and thunderstorms could deliver localized rainfall totals approaching an inch in some parts of the metro area. Once the front pushes through, the spring warmth backs off in a hurry, with highs dropping into the 50s by midweek and mornings turning cooler through the rest of the week.
Protect Plants And Plans
If you have potted flowers or tender new growth in the yard, give them one last bit of TLC this morning by covering them or bringing them inside, since a brief layer of protection can save bulbs and fresh shoots. For anyone with boating plans, outdoor work or a park meetup on the schedule, factor in the gusty wind before you head out: secure lightweight items, think twice about small-vessel outings and be ready for blustery conditions.
Quick Take
Layer up with a light jacket early, then plan for sunnier, breezier conditions by afternoon, and make sure outdoor furniture and umbrellas are tied down before the commute. If you are heading out on the water, keep a close eye on updated forecasts, since conditions can change quickly this evening and into early next week.
