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After wettest beginning of the year on record, Grand Rapids is now the driest it's ever been

Since April 6, Grand Rapids has been the driest on record.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —

How the Year Began

Grand Rapids received more rain (and snow) from January 1 through April 5 than any other time in its history, by more than 1½''.

Credit: 13 On Your Side
Wettest on Record - Grand Rapids

How It's Been Since

Since April 5, Grand Rapids flipped a switch and now is the driest on record from April 6 to June 7, by about ½''.

Credit: 13 On Your Side
Driest on Record - Grand Rapids

Dryness and Drought

As of June 6, according to the Midwest Regional Climate Center, most of West Michigan received just 10 to 25% of the rainfall over the past 30 days.

Credit: Midwest Regional Climate Center
30-Day Precipitation Totals

As of June 5, the short-term drought index ranges from abnormally dry to exceptional drought over north-central and southeast Lower Michigan.

Credit: National Drought Mitigation Center
Short-Term Drought Index

As of June 3, up to six inches of rainfall is needed over the next month to bring conditions back to near-normal.

Credit: NOAA
Additional Precipitation Needed

What's Ahead

Some much-needed rain is in the forecast for Sunday through Tuesday with many areas expected to receive at least ½'' or more.

Credit: 13 On Your Side
ECMWF (Euro) Model Rainfall Forecast

As always, stay up to date with the latest forecasts from the 13 On Your Side meteorologists.

Chief Meteorologist George Lessens

George is a graduate of Penn State University working for 13 On Your Side for over 42 years. He is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), a thirteen-time MAB® Weathercast Award Winner, two-time EMMY® Award Winner, NATAS® Silver Circle Award Winner, and Weather-Ready Nation® Ambassador. 

Contact me at: GeorgeLessens@13OnYourSide.com

Follow me on Twitter @glessens and Facebook GeorgeLessensWZZM

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