MICHIGAN, USA — Heat wave on the horizon – it’s been advertised for a week now and remains locked in the extended forecast.
Starting Sunday and continuing through the entirety of next week, temperatures will likely soar at or above 90°, and feel more like 100°+ at times.
While the combination of heat and humidity is not unusual this time of year, the persistent stretch that is expected can cause stress to people and pets.
It’s important to be mindful if you have outdoor plans and to check on those without air conditioning and other ways to stay cool.
WEST MICHIGAN FORECAST
Pleasant, near-average temperatures will last through Saturday, with daytime highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.
Temperatures on Sunday will be near 90° in the warmest spots around West Michigan and feel like the middle 90s with an increase in humidity.
The heat will continue to ramp up next week, with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s expected each day.
Factoring in the humidity—dew point temperatures in the upper 60s to lower 70s—the heat index will approach, even exceed 100°. Relief won’t be felt at night as well, with overnight temperatures only bottoming out in the 70s.
The expected ridge of high pressure will keep the chance of thunderstorms at bay, but the shear combination of heat and humidity allows for an isolated chance. The typical lake breeze boundaries that set up this time of year could also serve as a catalyst for isolated thunderstorms.
The greatest opportunity for pop-up thunderstorms will be towards the latter half of next week as model guidance signals a breakdown of the heat dome.
This magnitude of heat and humidity will likely support a Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service for at least a portion of next week.
In West Michigan, Heat Advisories are issued if the Heat Index—also known as the ‘Feels Like’ temperature—is expected to reach 100°.
The highest alert for heat is an Excessive Heat Warning, which is used when the heat index is expected to be 105° or higher.
WHAT’S CAUSING THIS?
The jet stream will push northward of the Great Lakes by the end of the weekend, allowing a strong ridge of high pressure, or heat dome this time of year, to develop across the eastern half of the United States.
This will allow above-average temperatures to spread into West Michigan, along with an increase in humidity due to a southerly flow. This pattern is expected to be locked in place for several days, which’ll keep the heat and humidity around for numerous days.
MINDFUL TIPS
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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