Sunny and Storms?

Good Morning!

Bright blue skies right now in Jackson, but a potentially interesting weather situation is shaping for this afternoon and into the evening hours.  More on that below.


TEMPERATURES:  After this upper level trough moves through, temperatures roll back to the lower 70's, then warmth builds back in and temperatures climb to above 80.

SEVERE WEATHER:  The Storm Prediction Center has parts of all of the midwest states under a "slight" risk for severe thunderstorms.  IL, IN, IA, WI and Michigan.  Now, looking closely at the bullseye on the map, part of the South Central Michigan Weather Zone is in, and part is out.  Weather doesn't follow map boundaries drawn by forecasters.  Everyone needs to have a good source of weather watch and warning information close at hand today.  And guess what: AN OUTDOOR SIREN DOESN'T COUNT! 

An upper level trough will roll in from Canada later today.  As the sun heats the surface, the air will destabilize, and allow for thunderstorm formation this afternoon and evening.  Some of these are expected to be severe.  It looks like the main threat will be from primarily hail and wind, though a tornado cannot be ruled out.

RAIN:  The National Weather Service says that we should get less than a tenth of an inch over the next five days. That being said, depending on where thunderstorms form, I'm thinking something much closer to a quarter-inch should fill the bill in those areas.  After we get through today, it should be smooth sailing until the weekend.

All quiet at this hour on the visible satellite and the Grand Rapids NEXRAD radar.  Here's the local forecast for Jackson County.


For today, mostly sunny skies, clouds start to increase during the afternoon, a chance of an isolated or widely scattered shower or thunderstorm, any storms that do form could go severe, especially in Calhoun and Branch counties.  High 79, winds SW 8-16 MPH.


Tonight, clear, with some passing clouds, continuing with a chance at a shower or thunderstorm, low near 46 winds turn NW 6-12 MPH.


Wednesday, mostly clear, cooler, high near 71, winds NW 5-10 MPH.


Wednesday night, starry skies, a bit chilly, nighttime lows roll all the way back to 38, winds NNW 5-10 MPH.


Thursday, sunny and pleasant, high 71.


Friday, sunny, warmer, nice, high 78.


Saturday, sunny, nice, high 75.


There's a look at your forecast for the next six days.  I do hope you have a good day!  Blessings.