Michigan Weather: Here’s Where to Expect Severe Storms This Weekend

I'm sure you've heard by now, but severe weather is heading to Michigan. Thursday (May 19) has been such a beautiful day outside, that I can't imagine things could take such a turn in just a day or so, but this is Michigan, so that's kind of how we roll in this state.

According to the National Weather Service, "strong to severe" thunderstorms are possible on Friday (May 20) in a large swath of locations around Michigan. These storms, depending on where you are in Michigan, will roll in anywhere from Friday afternoon to late Friday and linger into the weekend. I'm glad I just planted some wildflower seeds, because hopefully the added rain will help them sprout.

For the west side of the state, U.S. National Weather Service in Grand Rapids says there's a "risk of severe storms" on Friday from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cities at risk, according to their graphic, are Lansing, Grand Rapids, Gaylord, Benton Harbor, Saginaw and Mount Pleasant. "Thunderstorms may become strong to severe tomorrow afternoon. Strong winds and hail will the primary threat, and heavy rain may result in localized flooding," they add.

As for Detroit, it appears weather models have the Motor City missing the biggest portion of the storm, as the storm is going to be going in a more northerly direction. "Late week warming trend - temperatures well into the 80s by Friday," the National Weather Service in Detroit and Pontiac states. "This environment will bring the chance for showers and thunderstorms late Friday /mainly north of Flint/, Friday night and Saturday. Potential for some strong to severe storms during this time."

Thunderstorms are also expected to bleed into Saturday, but nothing super severe. Sunday will have some lingering rain in the morning but then clear up for mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures will be hot across much of Michigan on Friday - in the upper 80s - but be back in the 60s by Sunday.

It's almost camping season, and it's no secret that Michiganders love to camp. Michigan is one of the most beautiful states for camping, as evidenced by our many great parks, campgrounds and lakes. I'm actually not a bit camper, but I do know it's a super popular activity this time of year.

Pure Michigan is always on top of the best vacation spots in the Mitten, and they've put together a list of 10 of the most beautiful campgrounds in Michigan.

The No. 1 campground on their list is Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, Michigan. Of the area, Pure Michigan states, "Take in the sights of one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The Upper Falls stretches 50 feet high and more than 200 feet wide, deservingly making it a must-see attraction. But with more than 40 miles of hiking trails, 13 inland lakes and approximately 20,000 acres of natural area, there’s more to love about the park than just its majestic waterfall." That sounds lovely to me!

Read on for the full list of 10 beautiful campground in Michigan to visit this season, courtesy of Pure Michigan. Out of this list, I most want to visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire. I've heard it's one of the most gorgeous spots in America, so that's on my to-visit list at some point. I've actually been to Sleepy Hollow State Park in Laingsburg for a hike and definitely recommend it.

This list is courtesy of Pure Michigan.

https://www.michigan.org/property/tahquamenon-falls-state-park/