617
FXUS63 KGRR 280039
AFDGRR
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
839 PM EDT Mon Jul 27 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Severe Thunderstorm Risk This Afternoon
- Rain and Thunderstorm Chances Return Friday into the Weekend
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 131 PM EDT Mon Jul 27 2026
- Severe Thunderstorm Risk This Afternoon
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 8PM this Evening.
The areas of interest are the storms that will move in from
Wisconsin and over Lake Michigan into the area. Additional
development ahead of the line is possible with remnant boundaries
in the current unstable high shear environment. The highest threat
for severe thunderstorms will be along and west of US-131 with
lower confidence further east as instability decreases.
All hazards will be in play with effective shear values around 50
knots, ML CAPE values increasing to 3000 J/kg, and 0-3km SRH
values around 100 to 200 m2/s2. Overall guidance hasn`t had a
great grasp on thunderstorm development and evolution. We are in a
high risk low confidence situation. If storms are widespread
through this afternoon and clear this evening, the rest of the
night should be largely dry. If the environment isn`t worked over
we could see additional development overnight.
- Rain and Thunderstorm Chances Return Friday into the Weekend
As the shortwave responsible for today`s thunderstorms moves east,
pressure heights increase with dry conditions expected through
most of the week. Temperatures will largely be in the 80s each day
with lows in the 50s and 60s. Rain and thunderstorm chances
increase Friday into Saturday with another trough. Chances may
linger into Sunday depending on how fast the trough clears the
area.
&&
.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 735 PM EDT Mon Jul 27 2026
East-west oriented front over the upper Great Lakes will sag
southward overnight, passing south of Lower Michigan by daybreak.
Per current radar trends, scattered showers/storms may accompany
front over the next several hours, though current TAFs do not
include any precipitation. The strongest and more widespread
storms are expected to remain over NE Lower MI. This will need
monitored.
Winds will become north behind the front tonight. And with a
moist boundary layer and today`s rainfall, some low clouds and fog
are expected to develop -- generally MVFR ceilings/vsbys. The
clouds and lift will lift early Tuesday, with VFR weather from
late morning or early afternoon onward. Winds will remain from
the north, with gusts to around 20 kt expected.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 838 PM EDT Mon Jul 27 2026
Webcams and observations suggest earlier thunderstorms and
associated winds have already caused advisory/beach hazards level
waves to develop along the nearshore. Have bumped up the Small
Craft Advisory/Beach Hazards Statement to start this evening.
--- Original Discussion--- 131pm Monday June 27, 2026
Severe thunderstorms this afternoon will bring a risk for damaging
winds, hail, and waterspouts. This risk is expected until 8pm with
it ending earlier to the north. Wave heights of 2 to 3 feet are
expected into this evening, but higher waves will be possible with
any thunderstorm.
Tonight northerly winds behind the low pick up to 25 to 30 knots
and will bring building waves of 4 to 7 feet. These conditions
will linger through Tuesday. A Small Craft Advisory and Beach
Hazard Statement are in effect. Northwest winds Wednesday
afternoon may bring another period of Small Craft Advisory,
Moderate to High Swim Risk conditions for areas between Whitehall
and South Haven.
&&
.GRR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MI...Beach Hazards Statement through late Tuesday night for MIZ037-
043-050-056-064-071.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 2 AM EDT Wednesday for LMZ844>849.
&&
$$
DISCUSSION...RAH
AVIATION...Smith
MARINE...RAH/Thomas
NWS GRR Office Area Forecast Discussion