Michigan is in for a Roller Coaster Weather Period

September is here, and that means fall is on the way. Boy, does it feel like it in some areas of Michigan. Now, the state is in for a roller coaster week of weather, where you'll need your coat one day and can sport a bikini the next. I was actually outside Monday evening (Sept. 2) and could not believe how freezing it was. Okay, it wasn't really freezing, in the sense of the word that we use in the winter months here in Michigan. But, it was cold, and I had goosebumps.

If you're someone who loves cooler weather, then enjoy it while you can, because Michigan is currently cool, but that will change soon. According to the National Weather Service, Detroit will be in the 70s on Tuesday (Sept. 3) and Wednesday (Sept. 4), but then, the city will go back up into the 80s by Thursday (Sept. 5). The same weather pattern is predicted for other areas of Michigan, such as Lansing, Grand Rapids and Flint. Then, this weekend, temperatures will drop drastically. We'll be looking at highs only in the 60s for the majority of Michigan. Next week, the current forecast has Michigan getting warm again, with highs in the 70s and even 80s returning. I haven't even been to a pool hardly at all this season, because it's been so rainy and the weather has been so random. So, I welcome the return of 80-degree temperatures, even though I know my fall-loving friends are not happy about the return of summer in September.

This is quite out of the normal, as Weather Spark notes that in the Motor City, "Daily high temperatures decrease by 10°F, from 77°F to 67°F, rarely falling below 56°F or exceeding 86°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 10°F, from 62°F to 51°F, rarely falling below 42°F or exceeding 70°F."

Looking ahead to the long-range weather forecast, the Farmer's Almanac already has their projections out for this winter. They predict a "calmer, gentler" winter for most of the U.S., which makes me very happy. They also state that their weather forecasts are "traditionally 80% accurate."

"While there will still be plenty of chilly temperatures and snow for most slopes, the high heating costs associated with the season shouldn’t hit so hard," states Carol Connare, the Almanac's editor-in-chief. "We’re predicting a temperate, uneventful winter—potentially a welcome reprieve from the extremes of recent years."

Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it's part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I've certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?

Before we get to the main tips, let's get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It's simple but important. You don't want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.

Another mistake some people make is not taking "watches" seriously. For example, you might see that there's a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it's just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don't do it. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain," the National Weather Service explains. We'll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.

Let's get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.

A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, "a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely." A watch is where "the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain." Finally, an advisory means, "hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. "The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes," the National Weather Service says. Also, you don't want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don't have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to "use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris."

Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, "An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries," the National Weather Service says. "Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags."

This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they're right. "Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line," the National Weather Service advises.

Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. "Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures," the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of "water or non-alcoholic fluids."

Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to "leave immediately if ordered." They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to "take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can," and "stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors."