Gaylord, MI – A dry, breezy weather pattern across Northern Michigan is raising dual concerns for residents heading into the weekend: increased wildfire danger today and isolated severe thunderstorms expected Friday afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, large hail and damaging winds could develop with scattered thunderstorms beginning Friday around noon and persisting through 6 p.m. The highest potential for severe activity will be along and south of M-32, impacting communities including Gaylord, Traverse City, and Petoskey. A marginal tornado threat is also present, though considered very low.
Ahead of the storms, today’s warm temperatures and southeast winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, are combining with low relative humidity levels between 20% and 30%, prompting a high fire danger across the northern Lower Peninsula. Counties such as Roscommon, Mio, and Cheboygan are especially vulnerable due to dry vegetation and dormant grasses.
Residents are advised to avoid open flames, grilling, or discarding cigarettes outdoors. For Friday, stay weather-aware and prepare for possible quick-developing storms. Updates and real-time alerts are available at weather.gov/gaylord.
Authorities stress readiness and caution as conditions could shift rapidly over the next 48 hours.
