GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Parts of West Michigan have been pretty dry for the past few weeks, although it still hasn’t technically reached “drought” status. However, this map from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that our neighbors in northern Lower Michigan and parts of the U.P. (shaded in yellow) have entered the first stage of drought, termed “abnormally dry.” Here is a closeup look at Michigan:
The other stages of drought are: Moderate (parts of Kentucky and Missouri, orange shade), severe, extreme, and exceptional. Parts of the southwestern part of the country are experiencing an “exceptional” drought. For more on the drought status for the rest of the country, click HERE.
Most areas in West Michigan have below normal precipitation for 2014. Here are some totals and the departure from normal:
- Grand Rapids: 22.84″, +0.91″
- Muskegon: 24.08″, +6.17″
- Kalamazoo: 15.46″, -4.91″
- Battle Creek: 18.51″, -0.32″
- Holland: 16.32″, -3.98″
The next chance of rain is next week. For the latest forecast, join us on FOX 17 News or visit the weather page at http://www.fox17online.com/weather
