With an “omega block” weather pattern prevailing in Michigan, residents are enjoying a sunny, dry start to June, and the National Weather Service says we can continue to expect a typical summer with normal temperatures and precipitation.
The weather service’s forecast for June, July and August for the precipitation and temperature shows “equal chances” for above- or below-normal weather.
During the first week of June, Michigan is expected to see warm and dry conditions persist, due to the omega block — a weather term that describes the shape of the jet stream over the U.S. — resembling the 24th letter in the Greek alphabet, “Ω.” The pattern allows warm, dry conditions to hold steady.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says the Lower Peninsula will see warmer temps and more rain while the U.P. will be cooler and drier this year. Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Almanac said much of the U.S. will see intense heat and stormy weather this summer.
Here’s a look at the expected summer weather conditions across the U.S., according to the National Weather Service.
When does summer start in Michigan?
Meteorological summer starts on June 1, with the calendar broken up into three-month increments.
Astronomical summer, when the Northern Hemisphere points most directly toward the sun, begins on June 21 this year.
What does the National Weather Service predict for Michigan’s summer?
Michigan has “equal chances” to see above-, near- or below-average chances for rain this summer.
“Sometimes an ‘equal chances’ forecast means that there are no strong influences in the climate system that would favor one outcome over another, so forecasters default to the average climatological frequency (33.3% chance each). Other times it means that there are competing influences, and forecasters can’t say which is more likely to win out,” the NWS said.
Will Michigan see a hot summer this year?
Michigan also is forecast to see “equal chances” for above-, near- or below-average temperatures, so we should expect typical warm and occasionally humid weather this summer.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Meteorological summer is here. What’s the forecast in Michigan?
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
