The notable feature over the next few days is the gap between cool starts and mild afternoons. Fog may linger in parts of the region Thursday morning, but sunshine is expected to lift Grand Rapids to about 66 by late afternoon. Winds will be nearly calm, with no rain in Thursday’s forecast.
Mild Afternoons, Cooler Nights
Thursday is forecast to be sunny, with a high near 66 and calm winds. Skies should stay mostly clear Thursday night as temperatures fall to about 44. No watches or warnings are posted for the area.
Fog Could Briefly Affect Friday Morning
Areas of fog are possible Friday morning before 10 a.m. After that, the forecast calls for a high near 64 and light east winds. Drivers should be ready for briefly reduced visibility in some spots around daybreak, with conditions improving as the morning warms.
October Norms and What Fog Advisories Mean
For Oct. 22, the National Weather Service Grand Rapids climate report lists a normal high of 58°F and a record high of 82°F, with the record years listed as 1953 and 1979. Those figures do not show how often highs reach the mid-60s late in October. The National Weather Service fog guidance says a Dense Fog Advisory is issued when widespread dense fog develops and visibility frequently drops to one-quarter of a mile or less. A forecast of possible morning fog alone does not mean those advisory conditions are expected.
Weekend Afternoons Stay Mild
Saturday is expected to be sunny and Sunday partly sunny, with highs near 68 both days. Overnight lows should settle near 48. A prior Hoodline forecast also projected a mid-60s high for Thursday.
Clouds Increase Early Next Week
Monday is expected to be partly sunny, with a high near 65. Tuesday looks mostly cloudy, with a high around 61. Showers are possible Monday evening.
Through the weekend, the forecast favors mild afternoons and cooler nights, with little concern for rain. Layers will be useful during the morning hours; afternoons are expected to be warmer.
