By end of holiday weekend, Detroit could be halfway to historic heatwave

James David Dickson
The Detroit News

Detroit — If projections become reality, Detroit could be halfway to a historic heatwave of consecutive 90-degree days set more than six decades ago. 

Friday was the second straight 90-degree day this week; Wednesday's high had only reached the mid-80s, but temperatures in the 90s are expected at every point on the National Weather Service extended forecast for the next week.

People enjoy the weather as they make waves on the Detroit River in Grosse Ile Township, Friday, July 3, 2020.

The longest stretch of 90-degree days in Detroit history is 11, and it happened in 1953, ending on Sept. 4. If the Fourth of July weekend goes as planned — "It's gonna be hot," said National Weather Service meteorologist Ian Lee — Monday would be the fifth consecutive day.

Julian Holmes, 5, plays with his RC boat as he enjoys the weather with family playing on the small beach at Sugar Island in Grosse Ile Township at the lower end of the Detroit River, Friday, July 3, 2020. The Toledo youngster was with his parents Julie and Tony Holmes.

Friday could see isolated thunderstorms in the northwest suburbs of Detroit, Lee said. But other than that it's a dry, hot holiday weekend on deck.

The Fourth of July on Saturday will see 93 degrees but fall short of a record. The highest temperature for the date was 102 in 2012. 

The National Weather Service said the hot streak washing over southeast Michigan is caused by a large area of high pressure and a deep, warm air mass over Michigan that is expected to linger.

By July 7, a rain shower that's in the forecast may be a relief.

Brady Ross, 3, has a laugh as his brother Gavin Ross, 6, falls off an inflatable wave runner as they have fun with family playing on the small beach at Sugar Island in Grosse Ile Township at the lower end of the Detroit River, Friday, July 3, 2020. The Woodhaven children were with their parents Jean and John Ross.

Outlook: 

  • Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91. East northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.
  • Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. East northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight.
  • Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.
  • Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.
  • Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.
  • Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
  • Tuesday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.
  • Tuesday Night: A chance of showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
  • Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95.
  • Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
  • Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.