Tonight's Forecast: Partly cloudy and smoky

WEST MICHIGAN — The forecast from FOX 17 Weather Ready Meteorologist Kara James: The Air Quality Alert remains in place statewide through Saturday afternoon to account for thick smoke and poor air quality, although it will not be as thick into tomorrow as it has been previously. We have extended the Weather Ready Alert through Saturday as well, to account for unhealthy air quality and the chance for a few strong to severe thunderstorms. This happens tomorrow morning through the early to mid afternoon as a cold front moves through. Damaging winds and heavy rain will be the primary threats with any storms. There is a Marginal Risk in place from I-94 north, and a Slight Risk for I-94 and south. Winds will turn back out of the W/NW behind the front, bringing some smoke back into our area later in the day and Sunday. Highs will be in the middle to upper 80s this weekend. Another system Monday into Tuesday brings a better chance of widespread rain and storms, including the potential for a few strong storms west of 131. Much cooler air will filter in next week, with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 70s. Wind SW at 5-10 mph.

SATURDAY: WEATHER READY ALERT. Partly cloudy with a chance of scattered showers and storms. A few strong/severe storms possible. Highs in the mid/upper 80s. Wind W/NW at 10-20 mph.

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny and likely smoky, not as hot. Highs in the middle 80s.

MONDAY: Partly cloudy with P.M. scattered showers and storms possible. Highs in the mid/upper 80s.

TUESDAY: A.M. showers and storms, then partly cloudy. Highs in the low 80s.

WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy and cooler. Highs in the upper 70s.

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

FRIDAY: Partly cloudy with highs in the low 80s.

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