GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Warm and windy conditions are likely on Election Day for West Michigan, with a few rumbles of thunder possible and gusts to 40 mph.
There is a good chance for some breaks in the rain during the heart of the day, but cloudy and damp conditions will persist.
A ribbon of very mild and humid air for this time of year will surge into West Michigan until late Tuesday night. This warm sector will be ripe for frequent shower and storm development ahead of a strong cold front. Rain is most likely early in the day and again late in the evening.
Showers and storms in West Michigan are not expected to be severe but could produce brief, heavy rainfall. Many will see an additional 0.25" to 1.50" of new rain possible. Rain is needed, with all of Michigan running drier than average or officially in drought.
A few storms could hit severe criteria in Wisconsin along the incoming cold front, but the chance is low. Areas north of a line from Holland to Greenville are most likely to see a thunderstorm.
Election Day will be quite windy with a steady southwesterly wind at 10-15 mph and gusts frequently building to 40 mph through the day. Gusts will likely be highest near the lakeshore.
After the cold front passes early Wednesday, the wind will gradually lessen, with skies gradually clearing. Highs on Tuesday will land in the upper 60s before dropping to the mid 50s for highs on Wednesday.
Consumers Energy said it had crews ready to move in the event of power outages. It set up a special line for outages at polling places to be reported — 800.805.0490 — so they could be fixed as quickly as possible.
“We understand the importance of keeping the power on, particularly Tuesday as Michiganders finish casting their ballots in this election,” Chris Laird, Consumers’ vice president of electric distribution, said in a Monday statement. “Our crews are ready for immediate dispatch, and we’ll prioritize any situation that could affect the voting process.”