GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Summer heat and humidity will return to West Michigan in the coming days after a stretch of cooler than average temperatures. The heat and humidity will build this weekend, peaking early next week. As a result, the 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather Department has issued a 13 Weather Impact Alert for Monday and Tuesday.
WHY
Typical late summer weather will be commonplace both Saturday and Sunday, with high temperatures climbing into the middle 80s. To put this in perspective, 80°F is the average high temperature for late August in Grand Rapids and Muskegon. More noticeable will be the increasing humidity, as dew point values reach the 60s – a muggier feel by West Michigan standards, especially after the recent cooler conditions.
The heat peaks Monday and Tuesday, with high temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s. There will be no escaping the humidity too, as dew point values hover around 70°F – an uncomfortable, tropical-like airmass. This’ll put the heat index values – also known as the ‘feels like’ temperature – in the middle 90s Monday and upper 90s Tuesday.
Meteorologically, a robust upper-level ridge will develop across the midsection of the United States, positioning the jet stream northward of the Great Lakes region and allowing the hotter airmass to build the coming days. The ridge also supports high pressure to settle across the region, suppressing any widespread rain or thunderstorm chance. Model guidance is hinting that the ridge will break down towards the end of next week, bringing temperatures back near average.
IMPACTS
The hot, humid conditions won’t set records across West Michigan or be unusual for this time of year but it will be an inconvenience to kick off the week.
Kids are back in school, and the heat and humidity will be uncomfortable, especially for schools that struggle with these conditions. Those who work outdoors will feel the impact as well. There won’t be relief from the humidity at night, with impacts felt for those who don’t have air conditioning.
NEED
If you have outdoor work and/or plans next week, staying hydrated and slowing down are key in battling the heat. It’s also important to check on those that are more susceptible to the heat—kids, the elderly, and pets.
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13 Weather Impact Alerts highlight key times to be weather aware. Weather that has an impact on day-to-day plans will trigger an alert. The 13 Weather Impact Team will explain when to expect the weather, what impact it will have, and how to keep yourself safe and comfortable with clear, easy-to-understand graphics. See how to get these alerts here.