Hot and humid with isolated thunderstorms

Michigan is expecting a very summery weather pattern this weekend. While there is a chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms, it won’t rain everywhere and it certainly won’t be a complete mess.

Much of Northern Michigan will be dry starting Friday. Isolated sudden showers or thunderstorms are possible, but that would be the exception rather than the rule. Mostly sunny weather is expected, with warm afternoon temperatures. Highs will be just above 80 degrees in most of Northern Michigan. Areas in the western half of the Upper Peninsula could see temperatures in the 80-85 range. As usual, areas along the immediate lakeshore, such as Petoskey and Marquette, will be a few degrees cooler, closer to 75 degrees.

Saturday will also be mostly dry, with showers and thunderstorms possible in the westernmost parts of the Upper Peninsula late in the evening. More details to come. The northern parts of the Lower Peninsula will see dry conditions throughout Saturday. Skies will be mostly sunny, with highs in the 80s to 85s degrees Fahrenheit. With dew points around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, Saturday will be a little uncomfortable as humidity levels remain high.

Dry conditions are expected in the Upper Peninsula through late evening. Most of the day will be mostly sunny, with more clouds moving in from the west around sunset. Highs will again be in the 30s to 35s. Thunderstorms will likely move in from the west during the late evening hours, some of which could be strong to possibly severe. The Storm Prediction Center is currently rating western portions of the Upper Peninsula as moderate (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather. This includes the city of Houghton. Coverage and timing are still being fine-tuned, but know that Saturday night’s outdoor plans for areas in western portions of the Upper Peninsula may need to be adjusted.

Showers and a few thunderstorms are possible Sunday morning as the system moves southeast Saturday night. It will likely weaken as it does so, so areas of northern Lower Michigan such as Cadillac and Traverse City could remain dry in the morning. Later Sunday afternoon and into the early evening, more isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible across Northern Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula. Rain will not be everywhere, but heavy downpours are likely in areas where it does rain. Again, it will be a very summery weather pattern rather than a dull, rainy day.

This model shows estimated precipitation in six-hour increments. Ignore the exact amounts and focus instead on timing and general coverage.

Skies will be partly cloudy in dry areas. Temperatures will be warm again, with highs in the 30s in northern Lower Michigan and eastern parts of the Upper Peninsula. Regions in the western half of the Upper Peninsula may see highs in the 30s.

Overall, this weekend will be very typical of mid-summer here in Michigan. Outdoor spaces are preferred, but have backup plans in case rain showers move through your area.