Metro Detroit Weather: Severe Thunderstorms Before Record Heat

METRO DETROIT — A line of strong thunderstorms crossing the upper Midwest is expected to roll through the metro Detroit area Monday with strong winds and heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service said.

As temperatures reach the lower 80s Monday across metro Detroit, meteorologists expect the thunderstorms to fire up during the late afternoon hours toward the evening, bringing 70 miles per hour wind gusts, large hail, localized flooding and even a possible tornado, the National Weather Service said.

"Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh will be among the locations potentially impacted by intense, fast moving storms this afternoon through the late night hours," AccuWeather said. "While not a certainty, a derecho may form as storms develop, bringing a wide swath of destructive winds as storms race across the Midwest. Alternatively, even if a derecho doesn't form, a large swath of wind damage can occur as a storm complex moves eastward."

"Derecho" refers to widespread, long-lasting, destructive straight-line winds. The term for the fast-moving winds was coined in 1888 to differentiate the weather pattern from that of tornadoes.

Some showers and thunderstorms may linger over into Tuesday morning across the metro Detroit area before dissipating during the morning hours, the National Weather Service said.

Temperatures will quickly warm Tuesday to the mid 80s ahead of a warm front that's expected to bring record heat to the metro Detroit area, the National Weather Service said.

Meteorologists expect Wednesday's high across metro Detroit to reach the upper 90s and possibly 100 degrees, breaking the previous record of 95 degrees on that date. In addition, a health dose of humidity will make the region feel like 100-105 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

Temperatures will slightly cool down to the lower 90s on Thursday in the metro Detroit area. Meteorologists expect another wave of rain to roll through the area Thursday along with the cooler temperatures.

Friday lows to bring in more comfortable temperatures and air in the metro Detroit region, as temperatures hoover around 80 degrees with lower humidity levels, the National Weather Service said.