GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As of the latest drought monitor update on Thursday, Sept 18, Kent and Ottawa counties are under a severe drought.

Most areas of West Michigan are under a Moderate Drought.

Currently, approximately 31% of the Lower Peninsula is under moderate drought, with approximately 6% under severe conditions ( United States Drought Monitor ).

Common historically-observed impacts for severe drought include stress to crops, decreasing the overall crop yield, stress to mature trees, and streamflow reaching extremely low status.

The Climate Prediction Center is also predicting below-average rainfall for the next 8-14 days.

Compared to average annual rainfall amounts, the Grand Rapids average is 28.34" as of mid-September. In 2025, Grand Rapids has only has reached 19.35" of ra

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