Local meteorologists predict good cookout weather for Memorial Day despite weekend storms

SOUTH BEND — Amidst the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend, with cookouts, parades and camping, local meteorologists caution residents about the oscillating weather patterns for the three-day weekend ahead.

Michiana is in store for alternating shifts in its day-to-day weather, ranging from thunderstorms to dry, pleasant weather, starting Friday, explained meteorologist Andrew Whitmyer with The Tribune’s reporting partner, WNDU-TV.

On Friday evening around sunset, 6 or 7 p.m., Whitmyer said, their team is watching for scattered showers and thunderstorms to move into Michiana. In addition, there may be gusty winds around 40 to 60 miles per hour.

Holiday weekend: South Bend and surrounding areas celebrate Memorial Day with events, services, and parades

“Lightning is going to be a big concern,” he added, encouraging residents who may be outside or camping to be prepared. “If you hear thunder, make sure you get inside.”

Saturday, the weather will switch gears into a dry, beautiful day with low humidity and temperatures in the 70s, Whitmyer said.

On Sunday, the weather will shift back to the expectation of thunderstorms.

“The potential for a few strong to severe thunderstorms could come in two waves,” Whitmyer said. Residents can expect a storm in the afternoon and a second in the evening. The meteorologist team at WNDU is working to determine the local impact of these expected storms.

Rounding out the three-day weekend, the weather will return to a mix of sun and clouds on Monday, which should make for good viewing weather at area parades.

South Bend's Westside Memorial Day Parade begins at 8:15 a.m. May 27 from the intersection of Lombardy Drive and Ford Street. This year’s theme is “Lest We Forget.” There also will be a flyover by local pilots just before the parade begins.

Under the theme of “Women of Valor,” the Mishawaka Memorial Day Parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. May 27 from Main and Third streets and continues to Battell Park, 301 W. Mishawaka Ave.

“It’ll be quite a bit cooler than we’ve been,” meteorologist Rachel Cobb at the National Weather Service-South Bend said, anticipating a high of 70 degrees on Monday, May 27.

“Barbecue time should be good,” she said.

She took a closer look at her grid to determine rainfall chances. She predicted a dry day.

Cobb said there is a 50% chance of scattered showers for the afternoon, but overnight models show the day in South Bend should be dry.

Whitmyer, who agreed with with the possibility of a stray shower, said, however, that it'd be in the morning and that he is more concerned about the 30-to-40-mile-per-hour “problematic wind” that he forecasts for throughout the day.

Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at csarabia@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: On and off storms predicted for Memorial Day weekend