Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Ann Arbor area

The Ann Arbor area could be for a stretch of stormy weather this week, starting Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Washtenaw County and most of lower Michigan until 8 p.m. Monday.

The weather service said there’s a chance for showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Monday and a slight chance that some of them could be severe or even spawn a tornado. Damaging wind gusts of more than 60 mph are possible along with hail up to an inch in diameter.

The weather service predicts a high temperature of 86, while Weather Underground forecasts a steamy 91 for the high. Just after 1 p.m., the weather service reported the temperature already stood at 86.

The threat of severe weather continues Monday night with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely Tuesday and some of those could be strong to severe, the weather service says. The chance for rain is 80 percent. Forecasters expect a high of 82.

The forecast for Wednesday looks a lot like Tuesday with a 70 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms and a high of about 78 degrees.

Thursday, it will be cooler with a high of about 63 and a 50 percent chance of showers.

Sunshine returns Friday, but it will remain cool with a high of 63.

For updated forecasts and conditions anytime, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.