WEST MICHIGAN — The threat of strong to severe thunderstorms exists from 6 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, April 7. With every hour, it is becoming increasingly likely that damage occurs from these storms.
A very warm and humid air mass will settle into the area during the day, with little to no rain during the afternoon. This will push temperatures well into the 60s and in some spots to 70 degrees. Dew points in the upper 50s to around 60 degrees will also be pushed north into West Michigan, setting the stage for thunderstorms to develop along a cold front this evening.
These storms will likely develop in Wisconsin and northern Michigan and push south and east with time. The threat is largest from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. this evening, storms will be possible around and north of I-96. From 8 p.m. to midnight, storms will be possible from I-96 and points south towards I-94. Any activity should be gone around midnight.
The threat is conditional on how much sunshine we see, as is typical in West Michigan. If more clouds remain throughout the day and our temperatures stay down, the severe threat will be smaller. If we see more sunshine during the afternoon, the severe threat will become more likely.
If and when storms begin to develop, they could quickly become severe given the strong winds in the atmosphere. All modes of severe weather will be possible including damaging wind gusts between 60-70 mph, large hail up to 2 inches in diameter (hen-egg size) and even an isolated tornado.
Stay will FOX17 news all day for continued updates on this potential.
