The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerous heat and severe weather for West Michigan on Wednesday, June 10, and Thursday, June 11.

 

Here is a daily breakdown:

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

Peak heat will build across the region in the afternoon and hold through around 7 p.m., fueling significant atmospheric instability that will linger into the overnight hours. A cluster of storms is expected to cross Lake Michigan along the low-level jet after 7 p.m., with some leftover showers possible until 3 a.m. Thursday. 

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the western half of the Lower Peninsula in a Slight risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather. Damaging winds and locally heavy rainfall will be the primary risks with this system overnight. 

• Peak heat index values: 91-98 degrees (NWS)

• Damaging winds: 15% to 29% (NWS)

• Large hail: 15% to 29% (NWS)

• Tornadoes: 2% to 5% (NWS)

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 11

While dependent on the overnight system, Thursday night’s system appears to be the most potent for destructive storms. If temperatures heat back up similar to Wednesday afternoon — potentially as early as 9 a.m. — the atmosphere could become favorable for storms because of high shear values and strong instability. Arrival of storms is expected after 3 p.m.

The SPC has placed areas south of U.S. 10 and west of U.S. 127 in an Enhanced risk (Level 3 of 5). All hazards will be possible, including damaging winds, hail and even tornadoes if cells break off and remain isolated in the southwest portion of Michigan. 

• Peak heat index values: 88-96 degrees (NWS)

• All hazards: 30% to 44% (NWS)

  • _{^{Specific hazard risks will be updated Wednesday.}} 

Hourly WeatherEye forecasts can be heard at the top of the hour on WBRN via 96.5 FM, 1460 AM, WBRN.com and the WBRN mobile app. For more on the forecast, visit https://bigrapidsdailynews.com/forecast.