West Michigan’s Fourth of July forecast

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Independence Day in West Michigan is trending warm and dry, and likely the best of the holiday weekend. Sunday may give it a run for its money.

WEDNESDAY: Morning showers, afternoon sunshine

Showers and the outside chance of a thunderstorm will be possible this morning as a cold front swings through the area. If a storm develops, it is not expected to be severe.

Once the front passes, sunshine will become prevalent through the afternoon and evening. It will be warm and semi-humid, with highs reaching the low to mid 80s.

INDEPENDENCE DAY: Sun and clouds, rain stays south

Independence Day appears to be potentially the best weather day of the holiday weekend, mainly due to the low rain chances. There will be a fair amount high level clouds filtering the sunshine a bit. If you are heading south, an area of rain is expected to impact northern Indiana and Ohio and is currently expected to remain south of the state; however, trends will be monitored should it take a more northerly path.

Highs will be in the mid-80s with tolerable humidity levels. The past five Independence Days in Grand Rapids have featured a high of either 89 or 90 degrees. This year’s high may place it as the “coolest” since 2017, which saw a maximum temperature of 83 degrees.

Waves will be bit choppy Wednesday, especially in the morning. Beachgoers and boaters will have to deal with wave heights ranging from 3 to 5 feet in the morning, but they will subside a bit later to 1 to 3 feet. There’s a small craft advisory and hazardous swim conditions posted for beaches from South haven to the north.

Fortunately for beachgoers, conditions will improve for the Fourth. Waves of 1 foot or less are likely along the coast, with air temperatures climbing to near 80. Water temperatures are still recovering from early week upwelling but may climb some before Thursday.

FRIDAY: Thunderstorms, some strong

The forecast quickly turns Friday as the next disturbance rolls through. While still early, the threat for strong to severe thunderstorms exists in West Michigan with strong winds the main feature to watch for. The most likely time frame for thunderstorms is currently into the afternoon and evening. High temperatures will once again climb into the lower 80s as humidity ramps back up.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Occasional rain chances

The forecast heading into the weekend looks to be a mixed bag at times. While the majority of the time will likely be rain-free, periodic chances for showers and thunderstorms will be present as West Michigan settles into an active weather pattern.

A few showers will be possible Saturday, especially during the morning hours though this chance appears low. As of now, Sunday appears dry with increasing clouds during the afternoon. Thus, both days may end up predominantly dry, with highs in the upper 70s Saturday and lower 80s Sunday.

Active weather is likely to continue, with continued chances for passing showers and thunderstorms through at least the middle of next week.

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