GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Severe Drought conditions have now expanded across Michigan’s lower peninsula and blankets most of West Michigan.
Thursday’s update from the U.S. drought monitor shows all of Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties (in orange on the map) are now experiencing severe drought as well as portions of Branch, Calhoun, and St. Joseph counties. The Severe Drought also extends north and east into the Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Thumb regions. Most of the Lower Peninsula is now in a Moderate Drought (in tan color on the map).
According to the National Weather Service, the last time Michigan had drought conditions this widespread was in 2007, mostly in the Upper Peninsula. The last time the Lower Peninsula had a severe drought at this level was in 2003.
Officials say farmers will be feeling the effects of this as crop yields are expected to decrease while irrigation costs will increase.
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