The Derecho’s Path and Impact
Good afternoon, Metro Detroit! If you’ve been following the weather closely, you know that last night’s storm was no ordinary event. It originated in Iowa, swept through Indiana, and significantly impacted Chicago before heading our way. This weather phenomenon, known as a derecho, brought with it wind speeds reaching up to 105 mph, similar to a Category 2 hurricane.
Understanding the Derecho
A lot of you might be wondering, what exactly is a derecho? This is a powerful windstorm that usually occurs in the summer months. It requires sustained wind gusts of at least 58 mph and a path of destruction extending over 240 miles. Such events are rare but not unheard of in our region, with about one occurring per year on average across the Great Lakes and Midwest. Notably, we experienced a devastating derecho in Michigan back in 1998.
Current Conditions and What’s Next
Right now, we have cleared out the cloud cover from this morning’s remnants of the storm. Currently, we’re enjoying a beautiful afternoon with temperatures sitting at 83 degrees in Detroit, 80 in Ann Arbor, and 79 in Monroe.
The cold front associated with the derecho is still lingering in Michigan, bringing down more moisture. As we proceed into the afternoon, we may see a few scattered storms developing to the north due to the remaining unstable air mass. However, as we move forward, expect drier air to move in from the north, leading to cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels. This shift will be especially noticeable by Thursday and Friday.
Tonight’s Forecast
For tonight, we anticipate partly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to around 65 degrees. By Thursday and Friday, temperatures will dip further into the 70s, offering comfortable and partly cloudy conditions – perfect for outdoor activities.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
The upcoming weekend looks promising with dry conditions and a mix of sun and clouds. Expect temperatures to remain in the low 80s, carrying this pleasant weather theme into early next week.
Stay tuned with the 4Warn Weather Team for more updates, and stay safe!