Metro Detroit is forecast to challenge a 51-year-old temperature record on Tuesday, with highs potentially reaching 85F (29C) at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
The National Weather Service said the city could surpass the existing October 13 record of 83F (28C), set in 1975. The forecast comes as unusually warm conditions persist across south-east Michigan.
Detroit temperature record within reach
Clearer skies and south-westerly winds are expected to keep temperatures rising before a delayed cold front moves through the region. The weather service said the front should hold off long enough for readings to reach the mid-80s.
Its Detroit office said temperatures were likely to “make a run” at the record high for the date at DTW. Gusts of up to 25 to 30mph are also possible during the afternoon.
The warmth is expected to be short-lived. Overnight temperatures should fall into the 50sF, with showers and a chance of thunderstorms developing from Wednesday morning.
Wednesday’s high is forecast to be in the upper 60sF, before temperatures drop into the low 60sF on Thursday. A further change is expected later in the week, with a stronger cold front bringing windier and chillier conditions from Friday into the weekend.
The current record for October 13 is also 83F in Flint, while Saginaw’s record for the date is 86F, set in 1930.
