Gray clouds and wet pavement lingered across Grand Rapids late this morning as showers rolled through western Michigan, keeping visibility lower along parts of I-196 and US-131. A few heavier downpours briefly slowed traffic near downtown and toward Wyoming, especially where standing water collected near exits and construction zones.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue through much of the afternoon with rainfall chances near 80 percent. Temperatures stay cooler today, topping out near 74 degrees before drier air gradually pushes into western Michigan later tonight.
The damp start will not last long. Skies begin clearing by Memorial Day afternoon, and warmer air quickly surges north across the state. Grand Rapids climbs into the middle 80s Monday, then pushes close to 87 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday as a summer-like pattern settles over much of lower Michigan.
Beachgoers heading toward Holland, Muskegon, and South Haven should expect improving lake conditions by Monday afternoon, although brisk breezes may continue along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Drivers should still watch for slick pavement this afternoon, especially during brief thunderstorms.
The sharp warming trend could also increase pollen levels across western Michigan by midweek. Gardens and lawns may benefit from today’s rainfall before several drier and warmer days return.
Severe weather risks remain relatively low through Tuesday, but isolated thunderstorms later this week could produce gusty winds and brief heavy rain. For now, western Michigan appears headed toward a quieter and warmer stretch after today’s wet conditions fade.
Long-range outlooks continue favoring above-normal temperatures heading into early June across much of the Great Lakes region.
Five Day Forecast for Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Memorial Day: Becoming sunny, high near 84.
- Tuesday: Sunny and warm, high near 87.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 87.
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 83.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 79.
