WEST MICHIGAN -- HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Anyone that has taken the kids out trick-or-treating the past few years knows that it hasn't exactly been the most pleasant weather. That said, this year will be about average (temperature wise), but it will at least be dry.
Grand Rapids reported traces of snow both in 2014 and 2012 with high temperatures on October 31 of 46 and 43 degrees respectively. While it may have been nice if our warm-up in the upper 60s to near 70 was going to occur today, we'll miss that huge temperature increase by just one day! The forecast for Tuesday November 1 calls for highs near 70...some 15 degrees above normal!
While temperatures are expected to be in the mid/upper 50s for trick-or-treaters this year, at least it will be dry. We'll see high/mid level clouds advance in to the state all day and things will turn a bit breezy through the afternoon.
Take a look at the graphic below showing the past four years of October 31. 52 and rain in 2015, 45 and rain/snow in 2014, 63 and rain in 2013, and 43 and rain/snow in 2012.
Sunset times occurs today at 6:35 P.M., so that means kids will start around 6 P.M. while it's light outside and likely finish around 8 P.M. when it's long since dark. Some glow sticks or flashlights may come in handy for safety purposes.
I can remember my times trick or treating in the 1970s. It seems it was always cold, but we muscled through it anyway. Take a look at my Jaws costume below (hand-made by my dad) in 1976, modeled after the famous movie in 1975. Red-lighted eyes, a fin, and sharp white teeth...and yes that's me holding it!
Hope all have a fun and safe Halloween 2016. Enjoy! Meteorologist Kevin Craig. Click over the www.fox17online.com/weather for the complete forecast.
