Not Much Sun, But Much Warmer
When you don't have sunshine, you can just about bet with surety that you won't have record warm temperatures. And you might think that is especially true at this time of year -- when warmer temperatures are harder to come by in general. But you would be wrong!
A second area of low pressure in two days moving out of the Plains, heading toward the Great Lakes, is drawing up warm, moist air into West Michigan. The result: mostly cloudy skies and near record warm temperatures. The expected high temperatures today will be in the lower 60s. The record highs are in the middle 60s -- for example, 67 degrees in Kalamazoo. I doubt we'll be in record territory, but we'll be awfully close. And when you consider that the average high temperature today is in the middle 40s, to be in the 60s is obviously not common.
Forecast models show a solid band of moderate rain moving across the area between about 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. An imbedded thunderstorm can't be ruled out, but the dynamics don't appear to be strong enough to support strong to severe storms.
That wasn't the case last night as this same weather disuturbance rolled from the southern Plains to the Mississippi Valley. According to the Storm Prediction Center, there were more than 100 reports of high winds and large hail. At least four tornadoes were reported, with one causing injury in central Arkansas.
Our weather will continue to be unsettled right through the weekend. However, temperatures will continue to be at or above average levels. It is hard to believe Old Man Winter has already had his last gasp for this season, but the further we get into March with this mild weather, the more likely that seems to be the case. I'm willing to bet he has at least one more punch for West Michigan. Stay tuned!
