textproduct: Grand Rapids

KEY MESSAGES

- Lingering showers possible through tonight

- Dry and cooler through Saturday, with next chance of rain Sunday

DISCUSSION

Issued at 220 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

- Lingering showers possible through tonight

The main potential of rain (which in itself may be limited), will wrap up early this morning. This is as whatever line that can form with low level jet dynamics on their way out and the short wave exiting the forecast area by 12z.

A few showers will bubble up during the afternoon hours as we will have the long wave trough over the area, with short waves rotating through. There may be just enough instability for a few rumbles of thunder. However the sufficient instability will be exiting the area by late afternoon.

We will not clear out right away, as we have some residual low level moisture lingering around tonight into early Wednesday. Some of this is actually lake effect with lake temps in the upper teens to lower 20s C and +7C air coming down. The trajectory is mainly from the NE, so it should stay west and east of the area off of Lakes Michigan and Huron.

- Dry and cooler through Saturday, with next chance of rain Sunday

We should clear out nicely on Wednesday, with clouds, and by then smoke also. We see a nice Canadian ridge build over the area, bringing much cooler temperatures and much drier air.

We see a large upper ridge take shape over the Plains, and we will be downstream of that ridge under a confluent flow. This pattern will lock in, and hold then likely through the first half of the weekend. We will start out cool, and gradually warm up as return flow brings warmer air in gradually, along with some additional moisture.

There is actually decent agreement amongst the various models and ensemble members that we see a strong enough short wave flatten the upper ridge temporarily, and then push a cold front into the area on Sunday. This looks to be our next chance of rain after today/tonight.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 641 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

The last of the showers from overnight are in the process of moving out of the area/dissipating this morning as the support for them also moves out. Some spotty low clouds are developing east of U.S.-131 that will bring some MVFR conditions to all terminals except KMKG.

We will see the cold front come through this afternoon. This could fire up a few additional showers along with daytime heating, starting around 18z or so. They will be sct at best, so have gone with a prob30 group to cover this in the afternoon.

Winds will become from the NW and become a bit gusty this afternoon. They will then diminish well after sunset. We are likely to continue seeing some clouds around 5k ft.

MARINE

Issued at 220 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

We continue to believe that we are looking at a solid SCA and Beach Hazards scenario post frontal today. A good gradient combined with good cold air advection over the warmer lake will stir up the lake pretty well. Can not rule out Gale gusts for a few hours, but that will be the exception rather than the rule. Winds, and eventually waves will come down on Wednesday.

Once the wind and waves come down Wednesday, we are looking at winds likely staying below 20 knots until late Sunday.

GRR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

MI...Beach Hazards Statement through Wednesday evening for MIZ037-043- 050-056-064-071. MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 11 PM EDT Wednesday for LMZ844>849.