Grand Rapids, MI – After one last burst of warmth this weekend, western Michigan faces its first real taste of fall chill with a frost risk by midweek. Gardeners and growers should prepare to protect tender plants as temperatures drop near the upper 30s overnight Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, highs will remain unseasonably warm through Sunday, climbing into the mid-80s. Sunshine dominates the weekend, though gusty southwest winds up to 25 mph are expected Sunday. A cold front arrives Monday night with thunderstorms possible, followed by a noticeable drop in temperatures on Tuesday as showers linger and highs fall to the upper 60s.
The Michigan Department of Transportation warns that wet roads and reduced visibility may slow travel late Monday into Tuesday morning, especially along I-96 and nearby routes. Power interruptions are possible if storms carry stronger wind gusts.
By Tuesday night, drier air sweeps in, setting up clear skies and sharply cooler nights. Forecasters say lows in the mid to upper 30s could bring the season’s first frost north of Grand Rapids and into rural Kent, Montcalm, and Newaygo Counties. That shift may end the growing season in outlying areas.
Residents are encouraged to cover sensitive plants, bring pets indoors, and dress in layers for a fall snap that arrives quickly after this weekend’s warmth. Outdoor evening events midweek may feel brisk, with some neighborhoods waking to frost-coated lawns by Thursday morning.
Five-Day Forecast for Grand Rapids, MI:
Fri: 85/62 – Sunny and warm.
Sat: 86/63 – Mostly sunny; light southwest breeze.
Sun: 84/64 – Sunny, breezy; gusts up to 23 mph.
Mon: 80/58 – Mostly sunny, storms possible late night.
Tue: 69/43 – Showers likely; turning cooler.
