Yesterday was a fantastic day except for the strong winds.  Highs reached the lower 70s for the first time this year, and there was plenty of sun.  But winter isn’t giving up just yet.  We have the quiet before the storm this Friday morning but it will be replaced by some pretty dreadful weather.  My area is sort of on the border between just rain and a major ice storm.  Up to a quarter of an inch of freezing rain is forcasted for the mid portions of lower Michigan.  I’m hoping that we get all rain but we probably won’t be that lucky.  The weather service is warning to be prepared for power outages that could last for days, a reminder of December 2013.  A winter storm watch is in effect from tomorrow morning until Sunday at 12 PM.  And lucky me, I’m scheduled to work all weekend.

Our 9:45 AM temp is 41°F (4°C), the humidity is 63% and skies are cloudy.  Winds are from the east at 9 mph, and the dew point is 35°F (2°C).  The barometer is at 29.84 in (1010.2 mb) and falling.  Visibility is 10 miles.  Yesterday’s high was 71°F (21°C) and the overnight low was 35°F (2°C).  Averages for this date are 55°F / 36°F.

DURAND – OWOSSO FORECAST: 

WINTER STORM WATCH

Today:  Showers and thunderstorm possible after noon.  High near 46°F.  Winds ENE 8-11 mph.  Chance of precip 70%.  Rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch although possibly higher in thunderstorms.

Tonight:  Showers and thunderstorms likely.  Low around 33°F.  Winds NE around 16 mph.  Chance of precip 100%.  New rainfall amounts between half to three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday:  Rain showers before noon, then rain and freezing rain.  Thunderstorms possible.  High near 33°F.  Winds NE at 20-25 mph, gusting to 32 mph.  Chance of precip 100%.  Ice accumulations of 0.1 to o.2 of a inch possible.

Saturday Night:  Blustery with rain turning to freezing rain after 3 AM.  Thunder possible.  Low near 30°F.  Winds ENE around 21 mph, gusting to 25 mph.  Chance of precip 90%.  New ice accumulations 0.1 to 0.3 of an inch possible.