Erik Kostrzewa, FOX  17

Erik Kostrzewa

FOX 17

Grand Rapids, MI, United States

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Past:
  • FOX 17

Past articles by Erik:

Majority of the Lower Peninsula now in a moderate drought

After a relatively dry winter, spring has started on the same note. While this may be good for water levels in local rivers and lakes, our growing season may suffer if it continues. → Read More

Scattered showers around for the first half of the weekend

WEST MICHIGAN — After the warmest and sunniest day of the week on Friday, Mother Nature will not be as kind to us today. Rain showers are expected to slowly develop across West Michigan throughout the morning and afternoon, with the heaviest occurring south of I-96. If you live along and north of I-96, you will only see isolated light showers or sprinkles. Once we make our way into the evening,… → Read More

Heavy rain and storms move in later Saturday

WEST MICHIGAN — After a quiet and comfortable morning with some sunshine, heavy rain showers and even a few thunderstorms will develop this afternoon. Before the rain begins, temperatures will move quickly towards 70°, making this morning the best time period to get outside for the entire weekend. The rain and isolated storms will develop as a low-pressure rotates in our direction from the… → Read More

Lake Michigan water levels now about a foot below 2020

While it remains an important topic for those living along Lake Michigan, the conversation about water levels has subsided a bit thanks to a lackluster winter season. → Read More

1800s shipwreck almost fully visible in Whitehall

Water levels and high winds reveal 200 year-old shipwreck. → Read More

Tonight's Forecast: Continued snow with very cold temps

Get the latest forecast from the FOX 17 Weather team. → Read More

First shipments of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine roll out from Portage plant

West Michigan is in the national spotlight as Pfizer begins shipping the first FDA-approved vaccine for COVID-19 out of its Portage plant. → Read More

Saturday's winter storm will be rain for most

The much-anticipated winter storm is finally here, but the winter side of will be lacking for most. Throughout our Saturday, the majority of this system's precipitation will fall as rain, with snow only for the northernmost counties. The three counties that will see snow are Oceana, Newaygo and Mecosta, where 4" to 8" of the frozen precip. will coat the ground by this evening. For everyone south… → Read More

Gales of November return Sunday, damaging wind threat high

WEST MICHIGAN — The first real windstorm of the season will batter the state later this weekend. The last time a High Wind Warning was issued in West Michigan was November 27, 2019. That storm brought wind gusts up to 60 mph and scattered power outages. While we have seen strong winds since then, it has not been to the level necessary to issue a High Wind Warning. This weekend's storm will be… → Read More

Warming trend into Halloween, early November

After a very chilly weekend and week ahead, a trend towards a warm-up is once again in our sights. Normal temperatures for the end of October are in the middle 50s, so we will likely be heading back towards normal with a few days nearing 60 degrees. This will also come with more sunshine as high pressure will be around and will eventually fuel the warming temps. The 8-14 day temperature outlook… → Read More

We've lost nearly 5 hours of daylight since the Summer Solstice

WEST MICHIGAN — No matter what year we are in, this loss of daylight is always going to happen. The one problem we all probably face is it never get easier to handle at any age. Since the Summer Solstice on June 20, we have lost 4 hours and 44 minutes of daylight. We saw 15 hours and 21 minutes of daylight on that day in June. Today on October 24, we will only have 10 hours and 37 minutes of… → Read More

Our mild stretch will continue through Wednesday

WEST MICHIGAN — After the first few days of October brought more of a November chill, the enjoyable weather took over last week and will continue for some of this week! We will be reaching into the lower 70s on Monday as a southerly wind kicks up ahead of a cold front. The high temperatures will happen around 3 P.M. just before the front and showers cool things off. The timing for the showers… → Read More

Hurricane Delta to impact the same locations devastated by Hurricane Laura

LOUISIANA — Hurricane Delta is expected to make landfall along the southwest Louisiana coast Friday evening. The center of the storm is expected to push through the same parts of the state that saw Major Hurricane Laura just six weeks ago. Based on the current track, Hurricane Delta will make landfall within 15 miles of where Hurricane Laura made landfall on August 27th around 2 a.m. This will… → Read More

Michigan ranks 37th in overall happiness

Throughout the pandemic, we have all experienced emotional highs and lows. For a lot of us, it may be more lows because of how limited our daily lives remain. In a recent happiness study done by WalletHub.com, Michigan is near the bottom in overall happiness at 37th out of all 50 states. West Virginia has the lowest score with Hawaii coming in with first place. WalletHub achieved this ranking… → Read More

Mystery solved behind dead squirrels washing up on Grand Haven beach

A strange phenomenon happening once again in Grand Haven this summer. Several people have reported squirrels swimming in the channel along with a few even washing up onshore. This was also a huge issue 15 years ago, but hasn't really popped up since. People at the beach and walking along the channel in Grand Haven all had never seen anything like it. It was widely seen and reported during Labor… → Read More

Longest heatwave in West Michigan history possible in the coming weeks

WEST MICHIGAN — It wouldn't be 2020 without some crazy summer weather. Over the next two weeks, the latest wild weather is coming our way in the form of heat. High temperatures will begin to rise to around or above 90° on Monday and will not fall below that point for at least a week. This long stretch of 90s could stretch into the second week of July, which would put us in the territory of… → Read More

After a wet spring and an anticipated warm summer, ticks will run rampant across the state

It is almost summer, but experts have a warning for anyone looking to get outside. After an unusually warm winter and the continued wetter-than-normal stretch, tick populations are expected to explode across West Michigan. It is more important than ever to be aware of your surroundings and to know what to do if a tick gets on you or bites you. For more on keeping you and your family safe, we… → Read More

Flooding a real concern as heavy rain falls Sunday & Monday

WEST MICHIGAN — After 1" to 5" of rain fell Thursday, another 1" to 5" of rain is expected this Sunday & Monday. That much rain in less than a week will put serious strain on the lakes, rivers and streams which were already on the higher side. This will lead to potential flooding across the area as we push through the next several days. With this round of heavy rain, a Flood Watch has been… → Read More

Today's forecast: Mild Easter followed by strong winds Monday

WEST MICHIGAN — The forecast from FOX 17 Meteorologist Erik Kostrzewa: This weekend's strong system will get going today bringing periodic rain chances this evening and overnight. A few rumbles of thunder are possible but severe weather is not anticipated. Temperatures for our Easter Sunday will be approaching 60 degrees and thankfully it will not be windy. Huge chances are expected Monday… → Read More

Today's forecast: Becoming mostly sunny and mild

WEST MICHIGAN — The forecast from FOX 17 Meteorologist Erik Kostrzewa: Skies trend mostly sunny by the afternoon which will push us well into the 50s! Those closer to Lake Michigan will hover around 50 degrees. Even warmer Monday-Wednesday but with a little less sunshine. Rain chances accompany each of the mild days, but mainly after dark. A few stronger thunderstorms are possible Tuesday… → Read More