Severe Thunderstorm Warning 18, NWS Grand Rapids, MI

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
319 PM EDT Tue May 7 2024

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Stormy this evening, chance of rain Wednesday night

- Rain Expected Thursday and Saturday

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 318 PM EDT Tue May 7 2024

- Stormy this evening, chance of rain Wednesday night

The forecast is progressing as expected and severe storms are a
distinct possibility the rest of this afternoon and evening.

Radar shows the initial push of showers/non-severe storms has
migrated to the eastern cwa and clearing is rapidly filling in
behind it across the southwest cwa. Destabilization is rapidly
occuring and as a strong short wave moves closer, severe storms
have developed over northeast IL and are moving northeast toward
Lower MI.

SPC mesoanalysis shows SBCAPE around 2500 j/kg and bulk shear
greater than 60 kts across northeast IL. Severe storms will
continue to develop to the southwest through early evening and
move into the cwa and all severe hazard types are possible: hail,
wind, tornadoes. Areas south of I-96 have the highest risk for
severe storms, but all of the cwa has a chance. The severe threat
will end after 10 pm as the short wave axis rotates north out of
the cwa.

Wednesday will be dry with weak ridging moving into the cwa.
However, it will be short lived as the rest of the upper trough
pivots through the state beginning Wednesday night.

Highs will be in the 70s Wednesday and lows in the 40s Wednesday
night.

- Rain Expected Thursday and Saturday

Rainfall begins early Thursday morning and continues into the day
Thursday as a low-pressure system tracking through the Ohio Valley,
aided by a mid-level wave, sends a band of deformation rainfall
across the area. Highest rain potential will be across southwest
lower Michigan closer to the low's track with better FGEN. Rain
chances are lower across Central Region as its further away from the
better forcing. Can't rule out a bit of thunder given 6-7C mid-level
lapse rates but chances are low and would mainly be limited to near
and south of I94 if at all.

Shortwave ridging and an area of high pressure keep Friday dry
across the area. Highs will warm into the low 60s. Our next chance
of rain is Saturday as a shortwave sends a surface low near Lake
Michigan. Could see some diurnal enhancement to shower activity as
the upper-level cold pool moves overhead with steeper mid-level
lapse rates supporting thunder chances. Best rain chances will be
across the southwest half of the CWA between the low track and placement
of the upper-level cold pool.

Predictability then decreases going into the start of next week as
model spread in the upper-level pattern increases. Showers may
continue into the start of next week but low confidence in when they
will end.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 118 PM EDT Tue May 7 2024

Line of showers with a few embedded thunderstorms will be just
clearing the terminals near 18z. Additional thunderstorm
development is likely with this afternoon and evening, especially
near and south of GRR. Thunderstorms bring the potential of
locally IFR conditions and gusty winds and hail. Have added VCTS
along with a TEMPO group for the highest confidence window. A few
hours of MVFR cigs is possible post showers and storms near I96
before skies become MVFR with the exception of MKG who should keep
MVFR until tomorrow morning. Southeast winds become southwest
tonight into tomorrow generally 7-12 knots and locally higher in
TSRA.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 318 PM EDT Tue May 7 2024

The main threat for boaters tonight are severe storms with large
hail and strong winds. Additionally, as dewpoints climb into the
lower 60s areas of fog will develop.

Wednesday looks less chaotic as the fog will dissipate and storms
are not expected.

&&

.GRR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MI...None.
MARINE...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...04/Thomas
AVIATION...Thomas
MARINE...04

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
416 AM EDT Tue May 7 2024

MIZ037>040-043>046-050>052-056>059-064>067-071>074-080800-
Mason-Lake-Osceola-Clare-Oceana-Newaygo-Mecosta-Isabella-Muskegon-
Montcalm-Gratiot-Ottawa-Kent-Ionia-Clinton-Allegan-Barry-Eaton-
Ingham-Van Buren-Kalamazoo-Calhoun-Jackson-
416 AM EDT Tue May 7 2024

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southwest Lower
Michigan.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon through evening. While
lightning is a hazard in any thunderstorm, some storms may be
locally severe, with damaging wind gusts, large hail, or a brief
tornado.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed today, most likely between 4 PM
and 10 PM.

LMZ844>849-080800-
St Joseph to South Haven MI-South Haven to Holland MI-
Holland to Grand Haven MI-Grand Haven to Whitehall MI-
Whitehall to Pentwater MI-Pentwater to Manistee MI-
416 AM EDT Tue May 7 2024

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southwest Lower
Michigan.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon through evening. While
lightning is a hazard in any thunderstorm, some storms may be
locally severe, with briefly stronger wind gusts or large hail.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Winds and waves on Lake Michigan may be hazardous to small craft
on Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed today, most likely between 4 PM
and 10 PM.

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
608 PM EDT Tue May 7 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0600 PM     Tornado          2 W Portage             42.20N 85.64W
05/07/2024                   Kalamazoo          MI   Official NWS Obs

            Radar confirmed tornado. Time estimated via
            radar.

&&

NJJ