Thursday will bring unseasonably mild temperatures to Ottawa County, but residents should also prepare for wet and windy conditions on Dec. 18. According to the latest forecast from Accuweather, the high is expected to reach 47 degrees, which will feel more like 31 due to strong winds.
Rain and drizzle are in the forecast throughout the day, with less than an inch of precipitation expected. Winds from the south will be particularly strong, with gusts reaching up to 25.3 mph. The overnight low will drop to 21 degrees.
For more detailed and up-to-date weather forecasts, visit accuweather.com.
Quick weather snapshot for Thursday
- High: 47 degrees (feels like 31)
- Low: 21 degrees
- Rain: Less than 1 inch
- Wind: South at 25.3 mph
- Sky Conditions: Rain and drizzle
Safety tips for windy conditions
With high winds expected, it’s important to stay safe. Here are some tips from the National Weather Service:
- Seek shelter indoors if a high wind warning is issued.
- When driving, avoid areas with trees or powerlines.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel and slow down if you cannot access a sturdy building nearby.
- Maintain distance from larger vehicles like trucks or buses.
Weather’s impact on health
The weather is not expected to significantly affect the risk of catching a cold or flu. However, there is a higher risk of weather-related arthritis pain.
How Thursday’s forecast compares historically
On Dec. 18, 2002, Ottawa County experienced a record high of 52 degrees. The coldest temperature on this date was 2 degrees in 1945.
This year’s forecasted high is above the 30-year average maximum temperature of 37 degrees, while the low is five degrees cooler than the typical 26 degrees.
USA TODAY Co. is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across Michigan, generated with data from AccuWeather. Please leave any feedback or corrections for this story here. This story was written by Ozge Terzioglu. Our News Automation and AI Team would like to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us.
