GRAND RAPIDS — Today’s high temperature of 87° in Grand Rapids was the warmest temperature recorded in 2016, and the warmest we’ve been since September 6, 2015 when the mercury soared to 89°:
It was a dry heat, however, as our dew point temperature stayed at or below 50° for the entire day up until the time of this writing.
Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms broke out up North. In fact, the first tornado warning of the year for the state of Michigan was issued in the Upper Peninsula at 2:27pm for eastern Baraga and western Marquette counties. As the storm capable of producing a tornado moved east, the warning was then re-issued for central Marquette County around 3pm. Here is a still image of the storm at this time just west of Ishpeming:
The tornado warning was for doppler indicated rotation, with no actual tornado sighting being reported. In fact, it was determined that a tornado never touched down with this storm.
The air in the Upper Peninsula was more humid this afternoon ahead of an approaching cold front. As this cold front sinks southward into the central Lower Peninsula overnight, our humidities will be on the rise across West Michigan. This will also set the stage for shower and thunderstorm chances that will be with us through Sunday. Temperatures will remain warmer than average for this time of year through the next seven days.
