GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — If you have a rain gauge, the only thing it’s likely been measuring lately is dust.
As of Sept. 27, Grand Rapids had tallied 20 consecutive dry days. Many trees in the city are showing stress because of the lack of water.
HOW DRY WE’VE BEEN
The significant dryness began around mid-summer.
>>MAP: 60-day rainfall deficit in Michigan
While the lack of rain has become more obvious recently, our deficit actually stretches back to the beginning of the year. Grand Rapids has not received a half-inch of rain during a single day since Aug. 17. It’s been even longer since an inch or more of rain soaked the city; the last time that happened was June 17.
RAIN ON THE WAY?
A little relief may be in sight: We finally have at least a chance of rain in the forecast Wednesday night.
The wettest of the forecast models gives southwest Michigan anywhere from a trace to as much as a half-inch of rain.
Other models are not quite as generous with their rainfall predictions, but at least gives us something.
Don’t put away the sprinklers just yet. Decent soaking rains are forecast to fall just west of Michigan, but it appears once again we will settle into a dry and warm pattern in the coming week(s).
Climate prediction center’s monthly precipitation outlook for October
October may follow suit after a dry July, August and September.