Heat — Macomb, Michigan

2006-05-29 · Macomb, Michigan

Wider weather episode

An early season heat wave, leading to an unusually hot Memorial Day, resulted in dozens of people suffering from heat related illnesses. Near record to record setting high temperatures, in the low to mid 90's, sent some people to the hospital. The official high temperatures for the day ranged from 88 to 93 degrees. Of the 52 cooperative observer reports received for that day, including at least one report from each of the 17 counties in southeast lower Michigan, 50 of them reported a high above 90. They ranged from 89 (along the lakeshore) to 98 (at Midland), and averaged out at 94 degrees. Most of the month of May, leading up to this weekend, was well below normal. Combining this factor with temperatures at 20 to 30 degrees above the seasonal norms created very uncomfortable conditions. Conditions were further exacerbated by the combination of high humidity, light winds, and mostly clear skies. Nearly all of southeast lower Michigan reached 90 degrees by Noon EST...the only exceptions included those locations immediately adjacent to the lakes. Heat indices were in the mid 90's throughout most of the day. At least 27 people passed out in Roseville after the late morning Memorial Day Parade. Most were treated on the scene for dehydration, however, eight were taken to the hospital and treated for heat related illnesses. They included High School band members marching in the parade, a cheerleader, and one military veteran. According to local newspapers, at least 20 other people, from across the entire region, were admitted to area hospitals for heat illnesses. This number was likely much larger. The relief from the heat did not come until after 1800 EST...when temperatures finally dropped back into the 80's.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5512774. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.