Marquette, Michigan – A stretch of unusually hot weather is building across Upper Michigan this week, with temperatures climbing toward 100 degrees in some inland communities while daily rounds of thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, large hail and frequent lightning through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, highs will range from the 80s to the middle 90s Monday, increase into the upper 80s to upper 90s Tuesday, and remain in the 90s Wednesday across much of the Upper Peninsula. The hottest temperatures are expected across western and interior portions of the U.P., where humidity will push apparent temperatures close to 100 degrees.
Communities including Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Houghton, Marquette, Escanaba and Menominee should prepare for dangerous afternoon heat along with scattered showers and thunderstorms each day. While not every location will see storms, those that do develop could become strong, producing large hail, damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning. The Storm Prediction Center places portions of western Upper Michigan under a Level 2 of 5 Slight Risk for severe weather Monday, while much of the remainder of the region is under a Level 1 Marginal Risk.
The combination of hot temperatures and increasing humidity will raise the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for people working or spending extended time outdoors. Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning and avoid strenuous afternoon activities whenever possible.
Forecast confidence remains high that the hot pattern will continue through the middle of the week with repeated opportunities for thunderstorms. Additional severe thunderstorm watches, warnings or heat-related advisories may be issued as conditions evolve, particularly if stronger storms develop during the afternoon and evening hours.
