GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The dry stretch of weather across West Michigan has continued into the month of July.
Most cities in West Michigan have seen just a trace of rain this July. The city of Grand Rapids is down around eight tenths of an inch for the month so far. The dry pattern may begin to change into mid-July.
RAIN CHANCES RETURN
While the chance of rain is fairly low Tuesday, a few scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across the area.
A better chance of rain, especially for those inland, will move in Wednesday afternoon. Keep in mind, any chances will be quite scattered, meaning some cities will likely remain completely dry.
The highest rain totals will likely be east of US-131 where some areas may see around a quarter to half inch depending on thunderstorm development.
HOW DID GRAND RAPIDS END UP IN A RAIN DEFICIT?
The year started out quite dry for Grand Rapids. Typically January and February see around two to two and a half inches of precipitation. This year, both months came in right around one inch.
When looking at the first five months of the year, March was the only month with above average precipitation. This has led to fluctuating levels of drought nearly all year. Most of West Michigan remains in the first level of drought, known as “abnormally dry.”
WHEN WILL WE SEE THE DROUGHT BREAK?
July typically averages 3.86 inches of rain throughout the month making it the fifth wettest month of the year.
Rain chances on Tuesday and Wednesday look rather minimal, but a cold front sweeping through Saturday may bring a higher chance of widespread rain.
This active pattern looks to hold steady into the third week of July. The Climate Prediction Center is indicating 33% to 40% chance of above average precipitation during that time frame.
Stay with Storm Team 8 for the latest on any rain and storm chances upcoming this week…