305
FXUS63 KGRR 150716
AFDGRR
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
316 AM EDT Fri May 15 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Warmer with increasing chances of showers/storms into next week
- Strong to severe storms possible Monday
- Cooler mid to late week
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 316 AM EDT Fri May 15 2026
- Warmer with increasing chances of showers/storms into next week
Radar imagery shows light showers moving across eastern WI toward
the cwa. There has been a slow decay of these showers as they
encounter much drier air as seen on 00z soundings. We don`t expect
much more than a mid deck and a few sprinkles as they move across
the cwa this morning. By afternoon, we`ll see the clouds thin with
increasing amounts of sunshine which will help to boost
temperatures into the lower 70s.
The next chance for rain comes after midnight tonight as
convective development along a weak trough over Wisconsin moves
east in quasi zonal flow aloft. HRRR max reflectivity and RRFS-EMC
both indicate showers/storms over Lake MI around 08z and exiting
the cwa Saturday morning around 12z. Mid level lapse rates climb
to around 7c/km south of I-96 and that would be where we`d likely
see any stronger storms tonight. Later Saturday afternoon, H8
temperatures around 14c will translate to close to 80 at the
surface. More storms are expected along a warm front across
northern Indiana Saturday afternoon. Some of those storms could be
strong to severe but CAMs indicate they will likely remain south
of the cwa.
Sunday will be mostly precipitation free, but warm and humid with
highs in the 80s and dewpoints climbing into the mid 60s.
- Strong to severe storms possible Monday
As upper ridging drifts east Sunday night, an upper trough and
surface low will advance eastward toward the Great Lakes. This is
the time that moisture transport vectors increase significantly.
NCAR medium range AI convective progs continue to suggest the
possibility of severe storms Monday as the approaching upper
trough collides with a moist and unstable airmass. Shear values
increase to 45-50 kts Monday afternoon south of I-96 and SBCAPE
increases to 2000+ j/kg. The severe threat could last into Tuesday
as the cold front will still be west of the cwa. We`ll definitely
keep an eye on this.
- Cooler mid to late week
The cold front is currently progd to move across the cwa Tuesday
afternoon, after which cooler air will begin to move back across
the cwa. Highs Wednesday and Thursday will be in the 60s before
climbing back to around 70 by Friday.
&&
.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 124 AM EDT Fri May 15 2026
A decaying line of showers/storms is moving across Wisconsin
toward Lower MI. However, instability is nil and soundings show
very dry air in place. Thus, most, if not all, of the
precipitation will dissipate before moving across the terminals.
We`ll be left with a broken mid deck around sunrise. Clouds will
begin to scatter by noon and VFR conditions are expected through
the period.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 316 AM EDT Fri May 15 2026
A small craft advisory remains in effect north of Holland through
tonight. The pressure gradient will tighten as the high drifts
east and low pressure approaches from the west. Waves 3 to 5 feet
are expected in the advisory area.
Another small craft advisory may be needed Sunday night as another
low approaches from the west.
146
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 316 AM EDT Fri May 15 2026
Low dewpoints and increase afternoon temperatures are beginning to
result in elevated fire danger across the region. Fuels are drying
out and latest fire danger readings are high to very high across
the southern cwa and moderate over the north. South winds will
gust to 25 mph today but also bring in some moisture from the
south. Minimum relative humidities around 35 percent will be
located in the northeast cwa early afternoon before the higher
dewpoints arrive and push relative humidity values upward.
&&
.GRR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MI...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 5 AM EDT Saturday
for LMZ846>849.
&&
$$
DISCUSSION...04
AVIATION...04
MARINE...04
FIRE WEATHER...04
NWS GRR Office Area Forecast Discussion