Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Grand Rapids, MI

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949 FXUS63 KGRR 280753 AFDGRR Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI 353 AM EDT Tue May 28 2024 .KEY MESSAGES...
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- Showers and possible storms late today into tomorrow - Dry Thursday and Friday - Showers Possible This Weekend, Mainly Saturday - Warmer Early Next Week; Daily Storm Risk
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&& .DISCUSSION...
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Issued at 340 AM EDT Tue May 28 2024 - Showers and possible storms late today into tomorrow Today`s weather pattern will be dominated by a large upper level low that is situated over eastern Canada. That low has a long wave trough that extends across the lower Peninsula. Copious mid level moisture will keep the region mostly cloudy today with periods of showers today. A weak upper level ridge could allow for some breaks in the clouds this afternoon, mainly along and west of the US 131 corridor. Latest soundings are fairly moist through the sounding and although there isn`t a ton of CAPE, there could be just enough mid level instability to allow for storms to develop late this afternoon into this evening, mainly along and east of the US 127 corridor. Cold air aloft behind this trough could allow for small hail with any storms. Temperatures today continue to be below normal though potential breaks in the clouds should allow for Max Temps to get into the upper 60s to low 70s. A secondary trough will drop down through the region tonight into Wednesday. A boundary will drape through southern Michigan with showers continuing tonight into tomorrow morning along and south of the I 94 corridor. Forecast QPF shouldn`t be significant but upwards of a half an inch of rain is possible especially along the I 94 corridor. - Dry Thursday and Friday We`ll have picture perfect weather to end the week as a Canadian surface high passes directly overhead. Dew points in the 30s/40s and highs 70 to 75 will make for pleasant daytime conditions, but also chilly overnight temps in the 40s. Even some colder reading in the mid to upr 30s and patchy front possible in nrn sections both Wednesday Thursday nights. - Showers Possible This Weekend, Mainly Saturday GFS/ECMWF are in a little better agreement now regarding weekend rain chances. Looks the main threat for showers comes on Saturday and is related to a shortwave which tracks northeast from the Central Plains and passes through lwr MI during the afternoon. Southerly return flow on the back side of the departing sfc high sends a corridor of higher PWATs in ahead of the shortwave however instability looks quite limited so the thunder risk is low. A period of subsidence behind the Saturday wave may support a dry Sunday, although a few afternoon pop-up showers inland from Lk MI cannot be ruled out. - Warmer Early Next Week; Daily Storm Risk Guidance is in good agreement showing a return of above normal temps early next week as the main upper jet/stronger westerlies sets up to our north; near or just north of the U.S./Canadian border. Daily highs in the lower 80s are expected but rain chances/timing are difficult to nail down given zonal flow pattern and low predictability of potential shortwaves. Higher dew points and better instability should support a daily risk of diurnal storms though.
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&& .AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z WEDNESDAY/... Issued at 153 AM EDT Tue May 28 2024 Predominately VFR conditions prevailing overnight as scattered showers overspread the area from WI. There is no lightning in this activity currently and while the chance of thunder is non- zero, believe the threat is too low to include in any of the TAFs at this time. There is some indication that MVFR cigs could become more numerous between about 10Z and 15Z this morning, mainly south of I-96, with even a low chance of some patchy IFR. Mostly VFR anticipated for this afternoon although building instability could lead to a few tstms developing. The threat looks to favor the LAN and JXN terminals between about 21Z and 02Z where better sfc convergence will be present. && .MARINE...
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Issued at 344 AM EDT Tue May 28 2024 Waves have subsided for now so there are no current hazards. However the gradient will strengthen Wednesday. Winds will be predominately from the north. Expect that gradient to continue to increase into Wednesday afternoon. Winds and waves should increase enough for conditions to increase to criteria Wednesday afternoon and evening.
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&& .GRR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MI...None. MARINE...None. && $$ DISCUSSION...Meade/Ceru AVIATION...Meade MARINE...Ceru