Recent reports from the U.S. Drought Monitor highlight significant improvements in drought conditions across Alger County. Transitioning from the previous classification of Abnormally Dry to a state of No Drought in May marks a positive turn in local weather patterns.
Contrary to earlier forecasts by the Climate Prediction Center in their April Drought Outlook, which predicted continued drought conditions through April, May experienced a notable reversal with increased precipitation. This spring saw heightened levels of rainfall, surpassing historical averages by 1.87 inches in April alone. Data provided by NOAA and the USDA underscore this departure from previous dryness patterns.
While some residents are welcoming the extra rain, others, like Trevor Case from Case Country Farm in Chatham, express concerns about its impact on farming. “The weather has been too wet recently,” Case remarked. “It’s so wet, we can’t even get into the fields to work them up yet. The ground can’t absorb the rain fast enough.” Although Case anticipates planting delays, he believes the impact will be minimal in the Chatham area due to the types of crops grown. However, he acknowledges potential effects on regions that cultivate more dry crops. Reflecting on the changing climate, Case added, “The weather is becoming more extreme. The pendulum is swinging more to the extremes.”
The recent rainfall has solidified this spring as the 10th wettest April on record in Alger County over the past 130 years, according to NOAA and the USDA.
Looking ahead, projections from the U.S. Drought Monitor indicate a 33% likelihood of above-normal precipitation in Alger County over the next 14 days. Extended forecasts also suggest a continuation of above-normal precipitation over the next two months.
While Alger County celebrates relief from dryness, some neighboring regions continue to grapple with varying degrees of drought severity. Sections of Schoolcraft and Mackinac County are experiencing moderate drought conditions, while a significant portion of Ontonagon County is dealing with a severe drought.
