GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -- An exceptionally wet February, more than three inches above average, has given way to a very dry March in West Michigan. As a result, dry conditions have led to an increased threat of fires.
Friday will mark the eleventh consecutive day without measurable precipitation, placing March's precipitation deficit at 1.10 inches.
West Michigan hasn't received over a tenth of an inch in over two weeks since March 6. The streak of dry weather will continue through the weekend and into Monday.
Strong high pressure near Hudson Bay will continue to dominate the weather pattern across Michigan, which will keep the next storm system south Saturday.
It’s also providing West Michigan with lots of sunshine in combination of very low relative humidity — 20 to 30 percent — during the afternoon.
This is the time of year that many burn fall and winters leftover leaves and fallen branches. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns this is not a good idea this weekend, issuing aburn band across 15 counties in central Michigan.
>>Online: DNR burn permits map
Even if your county isn't included in the band, it’s best to be very cautious.
The wind will increase this weekend, making it difficult to contain embers. It will allow them to travel a good distance from a fire. If you do have a fire, make sure you have water close by to suppress it.
What we need is a good soaking rain and it's in the forecast. A very good chance of rain will arrive as early as Monday night and continue through Tuesday. It could possibly linger into Wednesday morning.