Southeast Michigan could see another round of thunderstorms Wednesday as a cold front moves through the region during the afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac office says thunderstorms are expected to become possible late Wednesday afternoon and continue into the evening. A few storms could become strong to severe, although the overall severe-weather threat remains limited.
The current forecast calls for a warmer and more humid Wednesday ahead of the front. That combination may provide enough energy for thunderstorms to develop as the front approaches later in the day.
The main window for storms is expected from the afternoon into the evening. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Southeast Michigan in a Marginal Risk, or Level 1 of 5, for severe weather. Areas along and south of Interstate 96 are in the higher Slight Risk category, or Level 2 of 5.
The strongest storms could produce damaging wind gusts and hail. An isolated tornado also cannot be ruled out if enough instability develops before the front passes.
Exactly how widespread the storms become will depend on how much warm, humid air remains in place ahead of the front and how storms develop during the afternoon. Some storms may remain elevated, which can limit their connection with the warmer and more unstable air near the surface.
The latest National Weather Service discussion describes Wednesday as a warmer and increasingly humid day, with the main storm threat arriving late in the day. The forecast also calls for a lingering chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm Thursday afternoon.
For residents across Southeast Michigan, conditions could change quickly Wednesday afternoon. Anyone with outdoor plans should keep an eye on updated forecasts and be prepared to move indoors if a warning is issued.
After the storm chances Thursday, the region is expected to turn cooler and drier during the first half of the weekend, according to the latest National Weather Service outlook.
