Mostly clear skies arrive Thursday afternoon-evening; Warmer winds move in Friday

High temperatures today reached 61 degrees in Alpena and 55 degrees in Houghton, Mich. The cooler temperatures will remain in place over Northern (Lower) Michigan and the Upper Peninsula Friday. Warmer temperatures are nearby, just to the southwest of our area. High temperatures reached 69 degrees in Grand Rapids, Mich. and 75 degrees in Chicago.

Winds Thursday will be coming from the northwest at 10-15 mph in the afternoon, that wind direction will help maintain the cooler temperatures. Winds will become stronger Friday and change direction out of the south-southwest, bringing warmer temperatures. Wind speeds Friday will increase, reaching 15-20 mph.

Thursday: Fog will be possible early, then partly cloudy. Early-morning temperatures will be in the upper 30s. Temperatures will rise to about 50 degrees in the late-morning. Afternoon highs will reach about 60 degrees. Early-evening temperatures will be in the lower 50s.

Friday: Partly cloudy and breezy. Temperatures will cool to the upper 30s predawn. Late-morning temperatures will climb to the lower 50s. Highs will get up to 70 degrees in the late-afternoon. Evening temperatures will be in the 60s.

Saturday: A few clouds early and late at night, otherwise sunny much of the day. Early-morning temperatures will begin in the middle 50s. Late-morning temperatures will be in the lower 60s. Afternoon highs will be around 65 degrees. Early-evening temperatures will be in the upper 50s.

Hurricane Delta moved over the Yucatan Peninsula (southeastern Mexico) earlier today. The hurricane weakened as it moved over Mexican landmass, which is typical due to increased friction. Delta is now moving into open water of the central Gulf of Mexico, the warm water temperatures will help the hurricane to strengthen again. Delta is expected to reach category 3 hurricane strength late Thursday or early Friday. Landfall is expected somewhere between the Texas-Louisiana border and eastern Louisiana Friday afternoon-evening. At landfall, Delta is forecast to be a category 2 hurricane.