GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —
WHAT
Strong southwesterly flow brings widespread rain and isolated storms to West Michigan on this Election Day. In addition to scattered showers and storms, temperatures will be well above average, reaching the low 70s, with winds getting progressively stronger. Winds will be near Wind Advisory criteria, with gusts that could reach around 35 to 40 mph. All of this is part of a low-pressure system that will exit our area after 9 p.m. tonight.
TIMING
Rain is already widespread this morning. Showers will become isolated from noon to about 4 p.m. and then intensify again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thus, the best window to go out and vote, if looking to avoid the heaviest showers, would be from noon to 4 p.m. today. After 4 p.m., the cold front approaches, and another round of moderate to heavy rain is likely. Rain clears out of West Michigan between 9 and 10 p.m.
Winds will also be strong at times today, sustained at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph.
IMPACTS
This 48-hour stretch of showers and storms will result in 1 to 3 inches of rain, with another 0.5 to 1.5 inches to go today. Considering how dry things have been, the ground should continue to do a decent job absorbing this much-needed rainfall. However, with totals nearing 3 inches north of I-96, there could be flooding or ponding of water in poor drainage areas.
6-10 Day Outlook
Sun. Nov. 10 through Thu. Nov. 14 calls for above average temperatures and below average precipitation. Average highs are around 48-50° with an average rainfall of 0.54" and average snowfall of 1.0".
8-14 Day Outlook
Tue. Nov. 12 through Mon. Nov. 18 calls for above average temperatures and above average precipitation. Average highs are around 46-49° with an average rainfall of 0.72" and average snowfall of 1.5".
