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.

Local drought watch persists; spillway project nearing completion.
Typically, the rain gauge at Lake Ogletree, Auburn’s primary water source, reaches nearly 15 inches between February and March.
This year, only 9.4 inches fell on the lake, according to Eric Carson, Auburn’s Water Resource Management director.
The Auburn Water Works Board enacted a Phase I drought watch April 21, issuing voluntary restrictions for water customers.
Along with dryer-than-usual conditions, the department is rounding out construction of a new spillway to replace the original 75-year-old one.
Usage also shot up earlier than usual this year, adding to the need for the drought watch, Carson said.
Warmer weather affecting lake The lake will continue to drop as warmer weather continues, allowing workers to finish concrete work on the spillway within the next four to six weeks.
“We’re not going to call the watch off.
He also emphasized the impact of watering at the proper times, between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., and on alternating days.
“ For some reason, a lot of people like to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and our demand will go through the roof on those days,” Carson said.

Typically, the rain gauge at Lake Ogletree, Auburn’s primary water source, reaches nearly 15 inches between February and March.
This year, only 9.4 inches fell on the lake, according to Eric Carson, Auburn’s Water Resource Management director.
The Auburn Water Works Board enacted a Phase I drought watch April 21, issuing voluntary restrictions for water customers.
Along with dryer-than-usual conditions, the department is rounding out construction of a new spillway to replace the original 75-year-old one.
Usage also shot up earlier than usual this year, adding to the need for the drought watch, Carson said.
Warmer weather affecting lake The lake will continue to drop as warmer weather continues, allowing workers to finish concrete work on the spillway within the next four to six weeks.
“We’re not going to call the watch off.
We may not, it just all depends how the weather and the summer demands go.” Carson asked customers to simply “use water wisely” to benefit the whole community.
“ For some reason, a lot of people like to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and our demand will go through the roof on those days,” Carson said.
The city also released its 2016 Consumer Confidence Report that notifies customers about the quality and safety of their drinking water.