The month of September proved to be the driest one in recent years, as shown by recent precipitation data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As of Sept. 21, 2024 there was a reported 0.6 inches of precipitation in the Metro Detroit; a year prior there was 2.28 inches of precipitation. The average amount of rain in September between 2000 and 2023 was 3.3 inches. The current record for the least amount of rain in September, set in 1877, is 0.39 inches of rain.

With the lack of rain in September, there have also been 14 days where the temperatures reached 80 degrees or higher. On Sept. 21, 2024 (the last day the data was taken) the temperature reached the highest at 88 degrees. While the average September temperature is lower than it has been since 2021 (65.8 and 66.9 degrees, respectively) the climate conditions this September are making for potential drought concerns.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , there are three counties in Southeastern Michigan where it is considered “abnormally dry.” An “abnormally dry” designation means there are signs of short-term dryness that slows planting, growth of crops or pastures. It also means there are some lingering water deficits and pastures or crops not fully recovered from the dryness. Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are considered “abnormally dry” right now, as is 39.7 percent of the state. Additionally, about 11 percent of the state has a “moderate drought” status; this is in the lowest portion of the lower peninsula and in portions of the upper peninsula.

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Droughts and the potential for droughts are always concerning because of the risk for wildfires, the damage they can cause to crops and the disruption they bring to an ecosystem.

Much of Michigan was also considered “abnormally dry” in March 2024 too.