Recent storms deliver plentiful precipitation to West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The month of June started off with dry conditions which were made worse by a week-long heat wave.

Recent rains are bringing West Michigan closer in line with an average amount of precipitation for June, helping to prevent drought conditions from taking hold.

Grand Rapids has more than doubled the precipitation received during the first three weeks of June in just a matter of five days from June 22 to the 26, helping to make up lost ground. Based on data from the National Weather Service observation site at the Ford International Airport, Grand Rapids now carries a slight surplus of precipitation at 3.73″ versus the average month-to-date total of 3.31″.

Much of the rain has been associated with thunderstorms, including the bow echo which produced 70+ mph wind gusts near Muskegon on Tuesday morning before tracking into Grand Rapids. The greatest rainfall has been observed along and west of US-131.

Thursday and much of Friday will be dry and pleasant prior to our next chance of showers and thunderstorms leading into the weekend.

As we approach Independence Day, be mindful of dry vegetation in spots which may aide in spreading fires from fireworks. Use an extra degree of caution. Portions of Ionia and Montcalm counties, in particular approaching Saginaw Bay to the northeast, have abnormally dry conditions on the drought monitor.

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