News Summary
Grand Rapids is facing severe drought conditions, the worst since 2012, with significant rainfall deficits reported. Areas from Holland to Grand Rapids show severe drought classifications, affecting local economies and agriculture. Key water levels are at historical lows, with limited rainfall forecasted, exacerbating the situation. Businesses and farmers report challenges due to dry conditions, highlighting the urgent need for water management solutions in the region.
Grand Rapids, Michigan is currently grappling with severe drought conditions, marking the most significant dry spell since 2012. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, areas from Holland to the Muskegon County line, and extending eastward to Grand Rapids, are classified as experiencing “severe drought.” The National Weather Service has reported that much of Michigan’s lower peninsula has seen only two-thirds of its typical precipitation since January of this year.
Holland has recorded a drastic shortfall, receiving only 13.7 inches of rainfall this year, which is more than 10 inches below normal levels. Grand Rapids is also feeling the effects, reporting a nearly nine-inch deficit in annual rainfall totals. In contrast, Battle Creek has experienced wetter conditions this year, with almost six inches above the average, bringing its total to 29 inches of rain. Kalamazoo has seen a slight surplus, with rainfall exceeding normal levels by four-tenths of an inch.
The drought’s impact is particularly evident along the Grand River in Grand Rapids, where drone footage shows exposed riverbanks and significantly low water levels. As of this week, the Grand River’s water level is recorded at a historical low of just 0.60 feet since 2012. Measurements indicate that river levels across the state are the lowest they have been since October 2024, with the drought map from the National Weather Service illustrating varying stages of dryness across Michigan—ranging from severe to moderate and areas classified as abnormally dry.
Continuing dry weather has exacerbated drought conditions, as parts of western Michigan have seen limited rainfall recently. Only 0.62 inches of rain has fallen in Grand Rapids this month, well below the average of 1.97 inches. Forecasts suggest that while rain is anticipated, widespread significant rainfall is not expected in the next two weeks, potentially worsening the current drought conditions. Currently, 56% of Michigan is reported as abnormally dry, with 31% facing moderate drought conditions, a rise in severe drought from less than 1% last week to approximately 6% this week.
One visible impact of the drought includes the concrete base of a bridge in downtown Grand Rapids being exposed due to low water levels, typically obscured by higher water. Businesses located near the river are experiencing the fallout from these conditions, leading to reports of a “dry abyss” affecting local economies. Farmers are also feeling the strain, as crops are yielding diminished outputs, prompting earlier than usual harvests.
In addition, stream flow levels in various rivers are reported to be significantly below normal, impacting recreational activities in the area. Dry conditions over the past 30 days have worsened the drought, and as revealed by U.S. Geological Survey data, major rivers, including the Grand and Muskegon Rivers, show considerable drops in water flow.
Recent assessments by the National Weather Service have indicated newly developing dryness in southeast Michigan, with particular concern for topsoil moisture levels. The situation could lead to soil moisture depletion, leading to prolonged recovery periods even after rain begins to fall, as farmers and other stakeholders prepare for challenging conditions ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Grand River Low Grand Rapids Michigan Drought
- Bridge Michigan: Michigan Faces Worst Drought in a Decade
- WOOD TV: West Michigan Severe Drought Worst Since 2012
- MLive: Drought Conditions Exploded Across Michigan
- Wikipedia: 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.
