Michigan Faces Intensifying Drought Amid Recent Rainfall
Despite recent rainfall, Michigan’s drought conditions have significantly deteriorated, marking the state’s 11th worst drought week on record. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly four million residents are now living in areas classified as experiencing drought, a stark increase from 2.5 million just a month ago. Presently, approximately 25% of the state is under severe drought conditions, while 56% faces moderate drought, and 18% is classified as abnormally dry. In total, a staggering 99% of Michigan’s land is experiencing at least some level of dryness.
From November 15-22, 2024, rainfall across the state varied, with much of the Lower Peninsula receiving between a quarter and half an inch, while some regions reported up to 4 inches. Despite these figures, the precipitation was insufficient to alleviate the persistent drought.
Regions particularly affected include the northern Lower Peninsula, a portion of the western Upper Peninsula, and areas near the Ohio border, all classified under severe drought. Conversely, only Muskegon County is free from any drought indicators, having received a historic 4.43 inches of rain on September 24.
Current data reveals that this dry period is the most severe since 2003, with the Drought Severity and Coverage Index rising from 198 to 205. Observers urge that Michigan requires substantial precipitation in the coming weeks to prevent a continuation of moderate to severe drought into winter, a challenging period for drought recovery due to colder air’s reduced moisture retention capabilities. As Michigan faces these daunting conditions, residents and officials remain hopeful for significant rain to come.
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