Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Washtenaw County and other areas
If a heat advisory wasn’t enough already to ruin your day, the National Weather Service has now issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of southern Michigan, including Washtenaw County.
According to the weather service bulletin, a cold front is expected to trigger scattered thunderstorms as it moves through Southeast Michigan late this afternoon. A few of these thunderstorms will likely be severe, producing large hail, one-inch or larger in diameter, along with wind gusts of more than 60 mph.
The weather service said there could be torrential rainfall with those storms, which could lead to flooding in some urban areas.
The thunderstorms are expected to end early this evening as the front clears the state.
Earlier in the day, the weather service issued a heat advisory for the Ann Arbor area for today.
The advisory, which is in effect until 8 p.m., says hot and humid conditions will lead to a high heat stress index, creating conditions that can lead to heat related illnesses. The weather service said temperatures in a humid air mass will rise into the low to mid
 90s today resulting in heat index values near or exceeding 100 degrees.

"Strenuous outdoor activity could lead to heat injuries such 
as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps," the weather service advisory said.
People venturing outdoors are advised to wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing and to drink plenty of water.
Comments
Elaine F. Owsley
Mon, Jul 4, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
Shouldn't you pull this? It applied to Sunday and your lead says great weather (which is properly for Monday) Some folks might be confused.
bobr
Sun, Jul 3, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
annarbor.com should do an update from their on the scene reporter about what took place at the Top of the Park once the storm hit. About the Thornetta Davis concert and how it was held.
81wolverine
Sun, Jul 3, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.
I don't care about what the percentage of rain chance is as long as we get frickin rain! This area is really dry right now. And as I write this, the rain is coming down fortunately. Thank Goodness!
David Cahill
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
As usual during periods of uncertain weather, demented persons seem to be in charge at the National Weather Service. The forecast for early this evening now says there is an 80 percent chance of rain between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m., with severe storms possibly issuing in Armageddon. The NWS forecast for tonight - on the same website - says there is a 30% chance of rain this evening. Over at the AnnArbor.com's own Weather Underground this is, of course, yet another forecast. 8-)