Beach and Boating forecast: May 23, 2024
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — After a rather warm stretch of weather for most of May, cooler conditions arrive just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
TEMPERATURES
The unofficial start of summer typically averages high temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s. So far, May has seen only three days with below average temperatures. That may change into Memorial Day weekend.
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Inland highs will reach near 80 degrees before slipping into the mid-70s Saturday and Sunday. Toward the lakeshore, temperatures will hold in the upper 60s and low 70s.
WATCHING SEVERE WEATHER
The active pattern also continues. The first chance for severe weather emerges Friday afternoon and evening as a warm front lifts across the area. This may kick up a few severe storms producing damaging wind and hail.
Round of severe thunderstorms possible Friday
The threat quickly diminishes by early Saturday morning, save for a few isolated showers. A mostly dry weekend remains until Sunday evening. As of Thursday, the Storm Prediction Center has placed a slight indication of severe weather off to the south. As this event nears, it’s likely some of West Michigan may fall into a risk.
Memorial Day may be the dreariest day of the weekend. Widespread showers are expected for much of the day with rain totals reaching up to an inch or more in some cities.
WIND AND WAVES
Paired with the chance for storms, yellow flags may fly at local beaches.
Friday will likely be the calmest day at the lakeshore. With a southeasterly wind, wave heights are expected at up to 1 feet. Saturday will be a bit more choppy as winds begin to shift to the west at 10 to 15 mph. As mostly sunny skies arrive in the afternoon, wave heights will reach 1 to 3 feet.
Sunday will be another quiet day as more cloud cover moves in the afternoon. Monday will see the highest wave heights, mostly due to the ongoing showers. A strong southwest wind will kick in, bringing wave heights up to 2 to 4 feet.
SIGNS OF SUMMER?
Long-range temperature outlooks are indicating near- or slightly below-average temperatures through the first week of June. At the lakeshore, this likely means upper 60s to low 70s for the time being.
Lake Michigan Summer Beach Guide
Still, water temperatures are slightly above average for this time of the year. Typically, buoys report readings in the upper 40s to mid 50s.
The Lake Michigan Beach and Boating forecast is sponsored by Green Shield Deck Builders and West Michigan Toyota Dealers.
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