Detroit woke up under a gray blanket of fog and mist today, with temperatures hovering near 50°F at Detroit Metro Airport. The cool start will not last long, as readings climb into the low 70s before showers and thunderstorms become likely in the early to midafternoon. Southwest winds are expected to pick up, with gusts approaching 30 mph, and small craft advisories are posted for some nearshore waters into the evening. Farther south and along the downriver and eastern corridor, the stronger storms could briefly kick out damaging gusts or hail.
Afternoon Storms Possible
The prime window for showers and thunderstorms runs from about 1 to 4 p.m. today, with the chance of rain near 70 percent and a high around 73°F. Southwest winds between 5 and 17 mph will increase, with gusts topping out around 29 mph. Isolated storms could produce damaging wind or hail, especially south of I-69 and along the Monroe–Detroit–Port Huron corridor, according to the National Weather Service Detroit.
Boaters should brace for choppy water and gusty conditions on Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair. Advisories cover midmorning through about 8 p.m. Saturday, so this is a good day to think twice before taking the smaller craft out.
Foggy Start, Commute Impacts
Pockets of low visibility early in the day may slow some commutes near the riverfront and on bridges, as the fog and mist linger over parts of the city. Most of that fog should lift by midmorning as low clouds begin to break apart. Local stations have reported reduced visibility this morning, so drivers are urged to allow extra time and use headlights when visibility drops.
Once the low clouds mix out, the atmosphere will destabilize, and that helps open the door for those afternoon showers and storms to develop.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow turns noticeably cooler, with a high near 63°F and lows slipping into the low 40s. Next Monday looks mostly sunny but still on the cool side, with highs in the upper 50s. Another system may bring a round of showers and some thunder from next Tuesday into Tuesday night, so it is smart to keep outdoor plans flexible.
Anyone with tonight's events or time planned on the water should keep an eye on forecast updates throughout the day.
