Severe T-storms, Slight Tornado Risk Thursday In West Michigan

Thursday will bring the warmest temperatures of the year so far to Michigan, but also will bring with it a threat for the first severe weather outbreak of 2019.

The National Weather Service says thunderstorms will be likely Thursday, especially later in the day and during the evening, with some of them likely becoming severe. As temperatures are forecast to reach the mid to even upper 60s, storms are expected to develop. The main threat from the storms will be damaging winds, although isolated tornadoes can't be ruled out.

The forecast from the Storm Prediction Center has most counties along and south of I-96 in the "Slight" risk category for severe weather, while some counties further north are under a "Marginal" risk for severe weather Thursday.

According to MLive Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa, the severe weather will depend on the amount of rain showers. If numerous areas of showers roll through Michigan in the morning and early afternoon, the showers will lower the instability, lessening the atmosphere’s capability of producing thunderstorms.

For tornadoes to develop, we have learned that a certain switching of wind direction in the atmosphere is very important. That swinging of the wind from south-southeast at the surface to southwest-west aloft is present tomorrow. A tornado is possible tomorrow given the wind field.  - Mark Torregrossa

Stay with us for the latest updates and alerts Thursday should severe weather develop in our area.