Dry September leaves parts of Michigan in moderate drought or abnormally dry: See the map

Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press

As this month is on its way to being the driest September that southeast Michigan has ever seen, some other parts of the state are already in a drought.

While a large chunk of mid-Michigan is currently safe from desertification, areas along the state's southern border, up north to the "fingertips" of the mitten, or mid-Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula are experiencing drought-like conditions.

As another effect of this hot and dry weather, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns against the risk of wildfires, reminding Michiganders to keep fire safety tips in mind if they choose to have a bonfire or campfire as a part of their late-summer activities.

Here's what drought conditions are like around the state:

The U.S. Drought Monitor's map of Michigan for Sept. 19, 2024.
The U.S. Drought Monitor's map of Michigan for Sept. 19, 2024.

More: Southeast Michigan could be driest September ever. Well, since we've kept records, at least

In southern Michigan

  • The following counties are in moderate drought: parts of Berrien, Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Monroe counties.

  • The following counties are abnormally dry: Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Saint Joseph, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties, and parts of Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe and Wayne counties.

Near the thumb

  • The following counties are abnormally dry: parts of Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Midland, Saginaw and Tuscola counties.

More: When will the leaves change in Michigan? Predictions for fall foliage released.

Up north

  • The following counties are abnormally dry: Alcona, Antrim, Alpena, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Presque Isle and Wexford counties and parts of Kalkaska County.

Upper Peninsula

  • The following counties are in moderate drought: Delta, Luce, Menominee and Schoolcraft counties, and parts of Alger, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties.

  • The following counties are abnormally dry: Alger, Chippewa, Dickinson, Gogebic, Iron, Mackinac and Marquette counties, and parts of Baraga, Houghton and Ontonagon counties.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: September leaves Michigan in moderate drought or abnormally dry

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