FXUS63 KGRR 270654
AFDGRR

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
254 AM EDT Sat Jul 27 2024

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Increasing Heat and Humidity Into Sunday Afternoon

- Potential for Showers and Thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 254 AM EDT Sat Jul 27 2024

- Increasing Heat and Humidity Into Sunday Afternoon

A mid level ridge and surface high pressure remain rooted over the
state through a good chunk of the weekend. Dry and stable air will
result in typical mid-summer weather conditions including cloud free
skies with relatively light winds. Temperatures in the low to mid
80s today, then the heat turns on Sunday with highs in the upper
80s. Southerly return flow ushers in moisture Sunday afternoon
increasing humidity levels later in the day. Rain chances increase
for far southwest lower MI late Sunday.

- Potential for Showers and Thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday

The mid to upper level wave of low pressure down in TX lifts up into
the Great Lakes Region Monday.  While this system lifts northeast of
the area on Tuesday, another wave digs in from the northwest
Tuesday.  Instability peaks in the afternoon both days, especially
inland. Ensemble PWAT values have trended up during this timeframe
with mean values in the 1.75 to 2.00 inch range. The 0-6km bulk
shear values remain relatively low so organized severe weather looks
unlikely.  The main impact from the mainly afternoon evening
convection will be for locally heavy rainfall.  We will continue to
highlight both days with high afternoon/evening POPs for inland
locations.  WPC does have the region in the day 4(Tuesday) excessive
rainfall outlook with a marginal risk.

Beyond Tuesday there's still a decent amount of uncertainty in terms
of how much shower/storm activity we will see.  The ECMWF is showing
a mid level low trying to cut off as it drops in from the northwest
towards Friday.  The Canadian and GFS keep moving this system along.
PWAT's remain high and instability peaks in the afternoon/evening
hours.  There is a lot of spread in ensemble qpf values for the end
of the week. For now we will feature typical isolated/scattered
afternoon convection for the region.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 120 AM EDT Sat Jul 27 2024

High pressure centered over Lower MI shifts east of the region
today. South to southeast flow will start to develop over the
region today, but overall the pressure gradient remains weak. Most
of the time the wind will remain under 10 knots.  Moisture
advection does not increase until Sunday, so for now we will keep
the cloud cover limited. Patchy fog could once again develop just
prior to daybreak, but based on the latest model trends, the
potential is too low to include it in the forecast for now.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 254 AM EDT Sat Jul 27 2024

No major marine concerns are anticipated through the weekend.
Southerly winds will stay light under high pressure today and will
increase slightly Sunday and Monday. Waves will stay to 2 feet or
less through the early half of next week. Overall, winds and waves
stay below headline criteria through Tuesday.

&&

.GRR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MI...None.
MARINE...None.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...MJS/Thielke
AVIATION...MJS
MARINE...Thielke