We have reached the first stage of official drought.
The Drought Monitor updates each week with conditions for locations across the country and we are now officially at Moderate drought in several Mid-Michigan locations.
Reaching moderate drought means: Some damage to crops and pastures is likely or occurring.
Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Flushing Township has reported a 60 to 70% loss of trees they planted this year.
With dry conditions fire danger also remains a risk with high potential for fires to spread if brush is ignited.
Multiple burn bans are in effect and the current fire danger rating from the Michigan DNR shows our region highlighted in the High to Extreme mark.
Avoid burning even small fires until we get meaningful soaking rainfall.
We have minor shower chances ahead but if it falls too heavy, the water will simply run-off the dry ground.
We need some good steady soakers in-order to rebound from the dry point we are at.
Stay with the NBC25/FOX66 StormReady weather team for updates on the forecast.