Grand Rapids sets record for number of 70-degree-plus days in calendar year

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Relatively warm temperatures have been consistent throughout 2024 and Grand Rapids recently broke another record.

On Sept. 27, Grand Rapids surpassed the record number of 70-degree-plus days in a calendar year. We have since tacked on several more to reach a running total of 157.

What stands out about this record is that we still have 85 days left in 2024 to further distance ourselves from the previous record number of days, which was 153 set 17 years ago. We may outpace the record by a large margin by the time we ring in 2025.

October has gotten off to a fairly warm start, with temperatures through the first week propped up 3 degrees above normal — partially thanks to an abundance of sunshine (80% month-to-date).

The short-term forecast shows a seasonable autumn pattern continuing toward the weekend, except for Friday afternoon, when we will likely have day 158 in the 70-degree-plus territory.

A cooldown is anticipated to occur over the weekend with some beneficial rain currently in play for next week. Even with that expected drop in temperatures, the month of October overall is expected to stay on the warmer side based on the Climate Prediction Center outlook.

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