Strong to severe storms threaten Metro Detroit on Wednesday
Metro Detroit is bracing for strong to severe thunderstorms on Wednesday, with damaging winds, large hail, and even a tornado risk in the forecast. The Storm Prediction Center has issued severe weather alerts across the region, with the most intense activity expected between noon and 1 a.m. Thursday.
A frontal boundary pushing into the Great Lakes region will stall out over Southeast Michigan, serving as the trigger for two rounds of storms:
From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., the first wave of strong storms may produce winds up to 70 mph, hail larger than one inch, and torrential rain. After a brief lull in the early evening, a second round is forecast to ignite between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m., continuing the threat of severe weather.
The enhanced risk zone (level 3 of 5) includes Livingston, Washtenaw, Lenawee, and Monroe counties. Meanwhile, Metro Detroit falls under a slight risk (level 2 of 5), while Sanilac and St. Clair counties, including Port Huron and Sandusky, are in a marginal risk (level 1 of 5).
Temperatures Wednesday will climb to around 85°F (29°C) with high humidity, making the environment ripe for storm development.
Quieter Thursday ahead with lower humidity
Following the departure of the storm system, Thursday promises a drying trend with sunshine, fewer clouds, and lower humidity levels. Highs will reach around 82°F (28°C), a welcome break after an active weather day. These quieter conditions will carry through Juneteenth and into Friday.
Intense heat wave builds into the weekend
Beginning Saturday, hot and sunny conditions will dominate the Lower Peninsula, marking the arrival of the first significant heat wave of 2025. Daytime highs are expected to surge into the mid to upper 90s°F (35–37°C) by Sunday, with heat index values topping 100°F (38°C) due to high humidity.
This intense heat is likely to persist through at least Tuesday, affecting areas from Detroit to Ann Arbor and Flint, and possibly triggering heat advisories.
Stay alert to weather updates as conditions evolve and be prepared for rapidly changing storm dynamics on Wednesday.
