The region is bracing for a prolonged period of hot and humid weather, with temperatures expected to soar into the lower 90s and peak heat indices in the mid-90s. National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Considine has warned that the conditions may constitute a heat wave by Saturday, with the mercury expected to rise to near 90 degrees Fahrenheit. “We’re kind of going to be flirting with that definition of a heat wave looking at Saturday into early next week,” Considine said. A heat wave is defined as a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather, typically lasting at least three consecutive days. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake St Clair, warning of isolated thunderstorms that could produce localized wind gusts of up to 30 knots. The area can expect a chance of storms on Saturday through Thursday, as well as Monday through Wednesday, according to the weather service.
Heat Relief Options
In response to the heat wave, the city of Pontiac is opening a cooling center at the Robert Bowens Senior Center on Sunday and Monday. Residents can stop by to cool off and have a cold cup of water.
- The cooling center will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on both days.
- Residents can also cool off at other public pools and beaches in the area.
- The city is encouraging residents to stay hydrated and take regular breaks in cool, shaded areas.
“We want to make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable during this heat wave,”
said a city spokesperson.
The Week Ahead
Next week’s forecast calls for lows in the upper 60s, with a 40% chance of rain on Tuesday. The weekend heats up again, with highs near 90 and lows near 70.
| August Average High | 81.4°F |
| Next Week’s Average High | 84.5°F |
The hot temperatures expected are not abnormal for August, but they don’t look like they will fall off soon, Considine said.
The forecast for the next seven days sees highs in the mid-to-upper 80s to near 90, with a persistent southern flow bringing the heat and humidity into the Great Lakes.
Historical Context
It’s worth noting that the heat wave comes after one of Metro Detroit’s rainiest Julys on record. The month ranked fourth place with 7.38 inches of rain, according to Considine.
A heat wave is defined as a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather, typically lasting at least three consecutive days.
- Factors
- •
- Prolonged period of hot weather
- •
- Abnormally high temperatures
- •
- Duration
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake St Clair, warning of isolated thunderstorms that could produce localized wind gusts of up to 30 knots.
“We’re in a pattern of persistent southern flow that’s bringing the heat and humidity into the Great Lakes,”
said Considine. The heat comes after one of Metro Detroit’s rainiest Julys on record.
- Year
- Amount of Rain
- Ranking
- 1878
- 8.76 inches
- 1st
- 2011
- 7.66 inches
- 2nd
- 1902
- 7.55 inches
- 3rd
- 2019
- 7.38 inches
- 4th
The month of July was also marked by temperatures that were about 1.9 degrees above average, NWS records show.
Conclusion
The region is bracing for a prolonged period of hot and humid weather, with temperatures expected to soar into the lower 90s and peak heat indices in the mid-90s. While the heat wave may not be severe enough to be considered a heat wave, it is still expected to have a significant impact on the region. Residents are advised to take precautions to stay safe and comfortable during this heat wave, and to stay hydrated and take regular breaks in cool, shaded areas. The next week’s forecast calls for lows in the upper 60s, with a 40% chance of rain on Tuesday.
The hot temperatures expected are not abnormal for August, but they don’t look like they will fall off soon, Considine said.
“We want to make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable during this heat wave,”
said a city spokesperson.
