Weather Alert: Strong storms Thursday, plus hot conditions (2024)

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Storms, heat, and humidity fill our forecast over the next 10 days.

WHAT

Storms are possible in the early morning and again in the afternoon tomorrow as a cold front approaches West Michigan. The afternoon storms may include some strong to severe cells. Temperatures and dew points climb tomorrow and will help to fuel these storms.

TIMING

There is still some discrepancy between models regarding the timing of these storms. As of Wednesday morning, we are thinking there will initially be a round of morning non-severe storms, a break from 9 am to 3 pm, and storms firing back up by 5 pm. It looks like the vast majority of strong storms will be in SE portions of West Michigan.

IMPACTS

While all modes of severe weather are possible tomorrow afternoon, strong winds and hail look to be the main threats. Most storms will not contain severe elements, but a few strong cells will be possible.

HEAT

In addition to storms this week, next week features a big push of heat and humidity. Starting Sunday through Friday of next week temperatures climb into the upper 80s to low 90s. This will be combined with dew points climbing into the mid to upper 60s starting on Monday. That results in heat index values in the upper 90s to even triple digits. Heat index values are what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS

You should have multiple ways to stay weather aware and receive critical weather information:

1. NOAA Weather Radio

The first is NOAA Weather Radio. We often refer to them as the “smoke detector” for severe weather, because they will automatically sound an alarm in the case of a natural disaster or severe weather.

2. Local Broadcast

There is also always your local TV station. The 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather Department streams on-air and online during an active storm.

3. Radio Station

Local radio stations should alert you if a storm is in your area. You can even set up devices like Alexa and Google Home to alert you with weather notifications.

4. Smartphone

Your smartphones also offer numerous ways to receive critical weather alerts. We have a 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather App allowing you to track the storm and receive alerts.

5. Nixle Alerts

6. Outdoor Sirens

Outdoor sirens are also an option, as they will go off in the threat of immediate danger, but are only meant to be heard outdoors. So, if you are inside, this should not be how you receive your severe weather alerts. Outdoor sirens can also be unreliable, difficult for those hard of hearing, and go off for other reasons beyond tornadoes.

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