Saturday, July 20, is bringing unstable weather to Michigan, especially during the late afternoon hours, as a band of scattered thunderstorms—some of them severe—sweeps across the region. Residents across the southern two-thirds of the state, particularly near Interstate 96, should brace for damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, large hail, and even the isolated threat of a tornado, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm window stretches approximately from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., though some localities could experience heavier rainfall and thunderstorm activity well into the evening.
West Michigan can expect significant rainfall beginning after 2 p.m., with totals possibly reaching half an inch. Temperatures will peak around 84°F (29°C) under thickening cloud cover, as southwest winds blow steadily between 5 and 10 mph. The evening brings some relief, with storm activity diminishing and temperatures dropping to around 65°F (18°C).
In Ann Arbor and Detroit, the skies will grow increasingly cloudy before scattered thunderstorms ignite after 4 p.m. The high will hover near 84°F (29°C), and while the daytime rain chance sits at 30%, that number climbs to 70% this evening. Showers and thunderstorms are likely through 2 a.m., followed by lingering overnight rainfall.
Flint and Saginaw will see clouds thickening by midday, with thunderstorms potentially developing later this afternoon. The high will reach around 82°F (28°C). South-southwest winds will move in at 6 to 10 mph, with gusts topping out at 20 mph. A 20% chance of showers begins around 1 p.m., followed by an increased chance for showers and storms after 2 p.m. Tonight, the precipitation risk surges to 60%, with storms most likely to hit before midnight and continuing until 3 a.m.
Across Northern Lower Michigan, expect widespread thunderstorms throughout the day. The heaviest downpours are forecasted between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a persistent threat of storms extending into the evening hours. Today’s high will reach about 78°F (26°C) under mostly cloudy skies.
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, morning showers and a few thunderstorms are already underway, with precipitation expected to move out from west to east by afternoon. After today’s system clears, wildfire smoke may return to the region tonight and into Sunday.
Stay weather-aware and monitor local radar throughout the day as these severe weather conditions evolve.
