Grand Rapids, MI – Skies across Michigan could glow with streaks of green and purple late Monday into early Tuesday, as a rare Northern Lights event sets the stage for a visually stunning — but short-lived — spectacle across the state.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a strong geomagnetic storm triggered by a recent coronal mass ejection could make aurora visible as far south as Grand Rapids if clouds stay clear. Michiganders should look north between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., away from city lights, for the best chance at catching the aurora. Skies remain mostly clear overnight, but cloud cover will build through midweek.
By Wednesday, rain returns with a 40% chance of afternoon showers and isolated storms. Wind gusts could top 25 mph along I-96 and U.S. 131, posing hazards for early school pickups and afternoon commutes. According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorm activity will intensify after 5 p.m. with up to 0.25 inches of rainfall expected.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and monitor alerts for possible watches or warnings as Wednesday night brings an 80% chance of rain. Thursday starts with lingering showers but clears out by midday. Temperatures will dip heading into the weekend.
More advisories could be issued as the week unfolds, especially if storm strength increases or gusts exceed projections.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Rapids, MI
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 82°F. Light winds.
- Wednesday: Showers likely after 2 p.m. High of 78°F. Gusts to 25 mph.
- Thursday: Showers before 8 a.m., then partly sunny. High near 62°F.
- Friday: Chance of showers. Partly sunny, high near 65°F.
- Saturday: Partly cloudy, cooler with a high of 64°F.
