Southeast Michigan is heading into a steamy and stormy weekend, as summer heat intensifies and the chance of strong to severe thunderstorms looms over the region.
Temperatures are on the rise, with highs expected to reach close to 90°F (32°C) by the weekend. Meanwhile, storm chances will be a constant presence, especially from Friday evening through Saturday night.
Friday: Heat builds, storm threat takes shape
After a mild night with lows in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C) under partly cloudy skies, Friday will bring a noticeable uptick in heat. Daytime highs will climb into the upper 80s°F (31°C) across the Detroit metro area, setting the stage for possible late-day thunderstorms.
The severe weather risk on Friday is categorized as slight—level two out of five—mainly for areas south of I-69, with more limited risks farther north.
Two scenarios are in play for Friday’s storm activity. In one, the strongest storms stay primarily to the west and north, barely clipping the Thumb region in the late afternoon and evening. This would leave much of Metro Detroit relatively dry.
In the second scenario, storms take a more widespread track, sweeping through a large portion of southeast Michigan with heavy rain and gusty winds. If that happens, storm conditions could linger across the region until around 11 p.m..
Outside of the storm threat, the evening will be partly cloudy, with overnight temperatures near 70°F (21°C).
Saturday: Heat peaks, storms return after dark
Saturday will be the hottest day of the week, with highs again pushing 90°F (32°C). The heat index could make it feel even warmer, likely landing in the mid-90s°F (35°C) during peak afternoon hours.
Storms are expected to hold off through much of the day, with sunshine dominating. But by the evening, conditions become more unstable. The combination of heat and high humidity will fuel another round of potential strong to severe thunderstorms, likely developing sometime after sunset and possibly continuing into the overnight hours.
Overnight lows will remain on the warm side, settling around 70°F (21°C).
Sunday: A stormy start, hot finish
The weekend wraps up with more summer heat and lingering storm chances. Thunderstorms may still be moving through the area on Sunday morning, with another chance for pop-up storms in the afternoon. Temperatures will ease slightly, topping out in the mid-80s°F (29°C). Expect lows to dip to the mid-60s°F (18°C) by nightfall.
Looking ahead: Heat and humidity won’t let go
The hot, sticky pattern isn’t going anywhere fast. Forecast models suggest temperatures will remain in the upper 80s to near 90°F (31–32°C) well into next week. Nights will stay humid and uncomfortable, with lows stuck in the upper 60s to low 70s°F (20–22°C).
Storm chances will continue on a day-by-day basis, especially in the afternoon and evening hours, as the atmosphere stays primed for thunderstorm development.
