Metro Detroit will see the first heat wave of the summer starting today, with temperatures in the low 90s and heat indexes nearing 100 degrees through the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service.
But because plenty of rain has fallen throughout the region, it won’t feel as searingly hot as last summer, meteorologist Joseph Clark said from the agency’s White Lake Township office today.
“Last year was fueled by drought, and that really lets the temperature soar,” Clark said, pointing out that last year tied 2005 as metro Detroit’s hottest summer on record. “This year, it’s totally different. When you get enough rain, the vegetation perks up as opposed to a drought year. It keeps the lower levels of the atmosphere cooler. It also supplies moisture through moisture being released through vegetation.”
Today’s official high is expected to be 90 degrees with a light south wind, according to the forecast. Clark said there’s about a 10% chance of afternoon thunderstorms as the temperatures climb this week.
Today’s record high is 102 degrees set in 1977, with record highs bouncing around 100 degrees for this time of the year.
But today is metro Detroit’s first foray into the 90s, compared to last year’s string of hot days.
“We had already broken 90 numerous times, and already hit 100 degrees twice,” Clark said about the summer of 2012.
After a low of 73 overnight tonight, Tuesday’s high is expected to be the hottest of the week at 93 degrees. The overnight low will drop to 74 degrees, and Wednesday’s high will be about 92 degrees. The overnight low overnight Wednesday into Thursday will be 75 degrees, and Thursday’s high will be 91 degrees with a 30% chance of precipitation. After another overnight low in the mid-70s, a cold front is expected to come through on Friday. Friday’s high is expected to be 91 degrees with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Then overnight lows drop to 72 degrees, and Saturday and Sunday’s highs are expected to be in the low 80s.
But because plenty of rain has fallen throughout the region, it won’t feel as searingly hot as last summer, meteorologist Joseph Clark said from the agency’s White Lake Township office today.
“Last year was fueled by drought, and that really lets the temperature soar,” Clark said, pointing out that last year tied 2005 as metro Detroit’s hottest summer on record. “This year, it’s totally different. When you get enough rain, the vegetation perks up as opposed to a drought year. It keeps the lower levels of the atmosphere cooler. It also supplies moisture through moisture being released through vegetation.”
Today’s official high is expected to be 90 degrees with a light south wind, according to the forecast. Clark said there’s about a 10% chance of afternoon thunderstorms as the temperatures climb this week.
Today’s record high is 102 degrees set in 1977, with record highs bouncing around 100 degrees for this time of the year.
But today is metro Detroit’s first foray into the 90s, compared to last year’s string of hot days.
“We had already broken 90 numerous times, and already hit 100 degrees twice,” Clark said about the summer of 2012.
After a low of 73 overnight tonight, Tuesday’s high is expected to be the hottest of the week at 93 degrees. The overnight low will drop to 74 degrees, and Wednesday’s high will be about 92 degrees. The overnight low overnight Wednesday into Thursday will be 75 degrees, and Thursday’s high will be 91 degrees with a 30% chance of precipitation. After another overnight low in the mid-70s, a cold front is expected to come through on Friday. Friday’s high is expected to be 91 degrees with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Then overnight lows drop to 72 degrees, and Saturday and Sunday’s highs are expected to be in the low 80s.