News Summary
While Grand Rapids is set to enjoy sunny fall weather this Sunday, the region is grappling with its worst drought in over a decade. The ongoing drought has severely impacted agricultural yields, with farmers reporting reduced harvests due to insufficient rainfall. River levels are alarmingly low, posing risks to the local economy and environment. Despite the favorable weather for outdoor activities, the drought’s effects are being felt across western Michigan, with vital rain still weeks away.
Grand Rapids, Mich. is expected to experience pleasant fall weather this coming Sunday, October 12, 2025, but the region is grappling with severe drought conditions that are affecting agriculture and river levels.
On Sunday, the forecast indicates a sunny day following pockets of dense morning fog. High temperatures are projected to reach the middle 60s, with a maximum expected temperature of 66 degrees. Winds will blow from the southeast at speeds of 5 to 10 mph. As evening approaches, conditions will remain clear, with temperatures dipping to the upper 40s.
Looking ahead to Monday, partly cloudy skies will emerge as a weakening weather system approaches from the west, which could bring a slight chance of showers along the lakeshore. High temperatures on that day are expected to reach 70 degrees. Tuesday will see a return to mostly sunny conditions, with temperatures again hitting 70 degrees. However, on Wednesday, a cooling trend will bring high temperatures back down to the lower 60s, maintaining sunny skies.
There is potential for a storm system next weekend that may bring rain to West Michigan, although details regarding this system remain uncertain.
While the weather this weekend looks favorable for outdoor activities, western Michigan is facing its worst drought in over a decade. This ongoing drought is significantly impacting agricultural yields, with farmers reporting reduced harvests due to the lack of adequate rainfall. The region has been experiencing critically dry weather over the last 30 days, further exacerbating the already severe conditions.
The National Weather Service has reported that much of Michigan’s lower peninsula has received only two-thirds of its average precipitation for the year, which has led to alarmingly low river levels. Specifically, gauge heights in the Grand River, especially in Grand Rapids, have recorded levels as low as 0.60 feet, marking new historical lows. Drone footage captured in the area reveals dry banks where the riverbed is normally submerged, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, these low river levels are among the lowest observed since October 2024. The drought impacts are classified into various stages—ranging from severe to moderate—across portions of Michigan. Farmers are particularly feeling the strain, as crops are maturing early and yields are significantly diminished due to the lack of water.
Looking further ahead, significant rainfall is not anticipated in the next two weeks, raising concerns that drought conditions may worsen without substantial precipitation. As residents enjoy the upcoming pleasant weather, the underlying issue of the drought looms large, impacting both the local economy and the environment.
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Additional Resources
- Weather.com – Grand Rapids 10-Day Forecast
- Fox Weather – Grand River Drought
- Detroit Free Press – Michigan Thunderstorms
- Wikipedia: Climate of Michigan
- Google Search: Grand Rapids drought
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
