TRAVERSE CITY — Rain gauges that were dry for much of the summer are now overflowing, relieving drought conditions across much of northern Michigan.
The Traverse City area received nearly 3 inches of rain from Aug. 27 through Aug. 29, and got another 1.17 inches so far this month.
It has also been a warm summer, with most of the northern region posting temperatures above their long-term averages, according to data from the National Weather Service.
Traverse City had its third warmest summer on record with an average temperatures of 71.1 degrees, which is 4.3 degrees above the long-term average of 66.8 degrees.
Temperatures are measured at the Cherry Capital Airport.
John King is the owner of King Orchards in Antrim County, which was experiencing severe drought conditions in some areas.
"The drought severely affected the raspberries," King said.
The apples are probably are a little small, but we think we have a really good crop coming."
King also had a great corn crop.
Cumulative rain data will be posted Thursday and Lutz expects that recent rains will have made up the rainfall deficit in many of the areas seeing drought conditions, with the classification being lifted.