KALAMAZOO, Mich. — It sounds like a severe weather warning will be issued soon for parts of West Michigan.
And this despite the fact that in some cities it already feels like 38 degrees or hotter.
As of 5 p.m., more than 132,000 electricity customers in Michigan were without power after storms swept through the Great Lakes state, according to Consumers Energy’s outage map.
The Storm Prediction Center is predicting a 15% risk of damaging wind gusts and heavy hail across West Michigan through early Wednesday morning. An isolated tornado cannot be overlooked.
At the same time, several severe weather warnings have been issued in Wisconsin due to early afternoon activity, with gusts of up to 60 mph and pea-sized hail.
Here is the latest statement from the Storm Prediction Center: “If the storms over Lake Michigan can remain calm, the warmed air over western lower Michigan can produce severe gusts.”
Keep in mind that strong gusts can reach speeds of over 55 miles per hour and down trees and power lines.
West Michigan also experiences extreme heat and high humidity.
Heat warnings and extreme heat warnings are in effect until late at night with perceived temperatures of up to 43 degrees.
The best way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned room, drink plenty of fluids and spend as little time outdoors as possible. Don’t forget your pets.
Excessive heat often affects pregnant mothers, newborns, young children, our elderly population and people with chronic diseases.
Check on your friends, neighbors and relatives, especially if they fall into any of these categories.
We will be closely monitoring the live Doppler radar throughout the afternoon and late into the night.
When advisories or warnings are issued, you will hear about them here, on the radio and on social media.
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