BRANCH COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows all of Lower Michigan has been affected by the dry conditions that have been in place since early May.
Branch County and the surrounding area remain in a moderate drought along with most of lower Michigan.
Severe drought conditions are now affecting the Grand Rapids area including all of Ionia County along with portions of Kent, Barry, Eaton, Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm Counties.
During a severe drought, corn and soybean yields are low, mature trees are stressed and streamflow is extremely low.
Counties along the Lake Huron shoreline and in northwest lower Michigan are reported to be abnormally dry along with the western Upper Peninsula.
The weekly report stated much of the region did not see appreciable rainfall. As a result, 30 to 90 day dryness continued to worsen, leading to widespread deterioration.
The M.S.U. Extension Service weather station at the Bloom Dairy Farm has only recorded three days of rain since May 7 totaling about three-quarters of an inch.
Comments