No drought yet - but hot and abnormally dry June is stressing plants
Ann Arbor resident Barb Gilbert waters flowers in her yard Tuesday evening at her Sixth Street home.
Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com
"I've been watering every other day,” she said. “Usually I don't water at all. This is the driest I've ever seen it this early in the season. Usually it's like this in August. I don't want my hydrangeas to suffer; they're so pretty."
All that dry weather Gilbert has been noticing has turned many lawns to brown and is stressing some farmers’ crops.
“We’re abnormally dry,” said Cory Behnke, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township.
Records kept at Detroit Metro Airport show this month so far being the 10th driest June on record. Rain gauges at the airport have collected 1.31 inches so far this month, 1.77 inches short of the normal 3.08 inches. For the year, the airport has recorded 13.04 inches of precipitation, while the normal amount would be 15.62, he said.
The story is much the same in Ann Arbor, where we’ve had 13.15 inches for the year, said University of Michigan weather observer Dennis Kahlbaum. Normal precipitation at this point in the year would be 17.50 inches.
The map shows areas across the United States suffering under drought conditions.
The hot and dry conditions so far this month have turned lawns brown and resulted in several grass fires in the area, including one Tuesday along U.S. 23 in Salem Township.
“It’s like a tinderbox out there,” said Pittsfield Township Fire Chief Sean Gleason. After several fires, Pittsfield issued a ban on open burning earlier this month. The City of Saline issued a similar ban.
The weather forecast offers little relief in coming days. Some showers are possible Thursday, Friday and Sunday, but very hot conditions will return after several days of reprieve from above-90 temperatures.
Forecasters expect a high of about 87 degrees under mostly sunny skies Wednesday. It will be blustery with winds gusting to 23 mph.
The really hot stuff moves in Thursday when the thermometer will rise to about 97. Sunny skies and blustery conditions will stay with us as winds gust to 18 mph. Thursday night, there’s a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Friday, the chance of showers and thunderstorms will remain under partly sunny skies. A high of 91 is expected.
Saturday, expect a mostly sunny day with a high near 90.
The chance of thunderstorms returns Sunday under partly sunny skies. The high temperature is expected to be about 88.
For those worrying about the impact of the dry conditions on their lawns and gardens, the best advice is to follow the example of Barb Gilbert and turn on the hose or sprinkler.
Charles Slick, an employee at Downtown Home and Garden in Ann Arbor, said established perennials should do OK in the dry conditions, but new plantings and annuals definitely need regular watering.
Lawns damaged by dry conditions generally will recover, Slick said, but they may be weedier than normal because weeds tend to grow in hot, dry conditions, while grass does not.
“If you water now you’re going to have less weeds to deal with later, and water is organic,” he said.
For updated weather conditions and forecasts anytime, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.
Comments
thinker
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 4:11 a.m.
I think fireworks should be banned if we do not get a good soaking rain soon.
Madeleine Borthwick
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
Thinker, as much as I love a good fireworks show(which never seems to happen in Ann Arbor these days), I must reluctantly agree with you. it's just too dangerous under these circumstances.
JRW
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 1:51 a.m.
As others have mentioned, the Huron River is very low. I think the city should institute water restrictions given the coming 7-10 days of hot weather with little rain predicted, and most important, the current conditions.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
Michigan is just the latest area to have record highs and extremely low moisture. A Republican ruined U.S. economy and now a Republican ruined U.S. climate. Time to start tallying the bill, I'd say. (And why wait until November for that?)
thinker
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 4:10 a.m.
Huh? The Republicans control the rainfall? They have more power than Obama if they do!
Silly Sally
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 3:11 a.m.
The Obamanation has been "running" this nation for the past 3-1/4 years and his many poor regulations have been the rule of the land during this time. The uncertainty has stifled business and job formation.
Street Cred Swag For Real
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
Really, we're talking about the weather? The WEATHER!?!?
Madeleine Borthwick
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
Yes, we ARE talking about the weather!!!!you have a problem with that? get over it!!!
Monica R-W
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
As I have been watching our weather a number of factors have led up to what I will call A DROUGHT, we have now. First, our lack of winter. Think about it, did S.E. Michigan really receive the normal amount of snow expected in December, January, February or March for that manner. Not really, and it impacts the moisture available in the ground and especially, the grass in front of ones home. Then its' just June and nearly all property grass is brown or a mix of mostly brown and green. This is the worse I have seen grass appear, this early in the season for as long as I can remember. As for the expanded fireworks law, this is one reason (the drought) why this statue was ill-advised. Let's hope that we don't witness someone losing their home because of our unusual hot summer and fireworks....running rampant. Similar to lifting the Motorcycle Helmet restriction. One more point, as for water restrictions.....let's hope local governments ramp this up sooner than later. The last we need on top of this drought is a water emergency.
julieswhimsies
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
I wish I could give you two thumbs up for your post! Thank you!
81wolverine
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
It's not just June that's been very dry. May rainfall was also far below average. 2 months in a row of dry weather and hot temperatures is the huge problem. I've given up trying to water my lawn - it's pretty much dormant right now. I'm just trying to keep my garden beds and flowers alive.
grimmk
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:13 p.m.
I didn't even think about the fireworks. We have some firework happy people living close to me. They have set them off every night for the past few nights. Really annoying. I wish I could pin-point who was doing it since I can't see them out of my window.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
It is best to water your flowers, garden and lawn between 5AM-6AM. The other alternative is late in the evening after the sun has gone down and the temps have dropped. People who smoke. I am BEGGING you! PLEASE do not flick your cigarette stubs out of your car windows on roads or highways. There are farms and homes all along these highways. In this drought, barns go up like tinder boxes with one spark. In this heat, most caring horse owners keep their horses in these barns. Grass fires spread extremely quickly. Take care. Farmers and homeowners, watch out for your neighbors, as well. Please, everyone....be careful.
Madeleine Borthwick
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
julieswhimsies, yes, yes, and again, yes!! most cars have ashtrays don't they?
81wolverine
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:26 p.m.
You are right on target with your plea for smokers not to throw butts out the window - especially in these conditions. Most of the grass fires you see along highways and in medians are a result of this.
Charles Slick
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 5:28 p.m.
my whole quote was something like, "a lot of people are concerned with organic gardening, and they come in asking for organic weed killer, but if you water now you're gonna have less weeds to deal with later, and water is organic"
treetowncartel
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Where is the discussion about Chemtrails and the likes of Monsanto reducing rainfall so the world will be dependant on their drought resistant crops?
Fatkitty
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
During dry conditions, I water deep and mow high (or not at all).
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
We haven't needed to mow for quite some time. The only positive in this drought is gas savings.
David Cahill
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
"Water is organic" is a truly classic statement!
Plubius
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.
Classically wrong - water contains no carbon, therefore it is NOT organic...
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
Who knew?!
a2xarob
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
In 1988 the parks and lawns were dry and brown by our Memorial Day celebration. It was a terribly hot and very dry summer. I hope it's not that bad this year.
justcurious
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
That was the year that Yellowstone burned. I also remember that lawns in Ann Arbor were catching on fire from tossed cigarettes that year.
Rork Kuick
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
Huron river in Ann Arbor is about 150 cfs. Median is 302, average 397, max 3690 (1968), min 31 (1936). But the one that really got me angry: 32 cfs in 1988. At what point are the people ask to conserve water? At what point is it demanded? What happened in 1988 about that? Does killing everything in the river not matter, so long as the city can provide the water to it's customers? We didn't really answer those questions in 88.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
I don't care what A2.com reports. Technically, we may not yet be in a drought, but realistically this IS a drought. Call for water restrictions now.
Olive
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.
I remember the summer of 1988 - it was a dry, hot summer. There were watering restrictions in many communities, but I don't recall if there were any in A2. And there were lots of grass fires, especially along the freeways.
Rork Kuick
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
PS: Early July of 1988 flow was less than 20 cfs. Our river was ghastly.
xmo
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
Isn't this weather wonder, warm and dry! Low numbers of mosquitoes, low humidity and great for gardens!
Madeleine Borthwick
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
xmo....low humidity? have you been out side this morning?!
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
@xmo Are you being sarcastic?
zanzerbar
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
I've also notice the near absence of mosquito's.
Epengar
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
great for gardens? What are you talking about?
Cash
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
I put dishes of water out and fill them again with the hose several times a day.....the birds love it and I have happy tree frogs loving them too!! I know the racoons and possums use them at night but you know? They all have to live too.
Cash
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 10:38 a.m.
JustCurious, that must have been a great scene! If we could talk people into stopping the chemical lawn treatments maybe tree frogs would take care of the insect problems! I like the idea of a small pool in the garden too!
JRW
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
Great idea, Cash.
justcurious
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
Last year we had tons of tree frogs sticking to our windows every night lapping up the insects drawn to the light. At one point there were frogs of 4 different sizes in a row on the front window. I've only see one out front so far this year. And a larger frog in my garden this morning. I cooled him off while watering. He liked it. I also put a rubber "pool" out there amongst the perennials.
Cash
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
JustCurious, One jumped right onto my lap yesterday while I was sitting on my patio! I wish we could post pictures here, because I have good ones of the tree frog on my lap. :-) They are so darned cute......those little suction-cup feet are great.
justcurious
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
Great idea Cash. I think I will adopt it. I miss the tree frogs this year.
Madeleine Borthwick
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
yet another BTW...what, exactly, defines a drought? can anyone clarify this for me? it sure looks like a drought, and I'm pretty sure the farmers would agree.
MRunner73
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:52 p.m.
Here's a helpful link.. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/science/drought.php?wfo=fgz (It would appear that this drought will satisfy 3 of 4 catagories)
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
Yep. Ask any farmer. It is a drought.
Madeleine Borthwick
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
BTW, I'm praying for rain....
Madeleine Borthwick
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
I realize that this is a relatively minor issue considering what the farmers are facing, but there is a pond down at West Park that has been home for some time now to a family of ducks. mama and her babies(growing like a house on fire, pardon the pun) are doing well but if we don't get more rain than we've been getting how is this going to impact on this family? BTW, my husband and I are not the only ones watching these babies grow. whenever we are down there, and someone walks by, we hear comments on how big the babies are getting, how hard it is these days to tell them apart from their mother, etc. Oh....and while I'm at it.....here comes the plug.....please-please-please don't feed the ducks! absolutely everything that they need to grow and thrive is right there and feeding them only encourages dependency on humans at a time when they need to learn to fend for themselves. I understand the temptation to feed them, but if I can resist it so can anyone else.
Epengar
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
Those ducks are very near fledging, they'll be fine. Also, the pond gets filled with storm water, and is in no danger of drying up.
justcurious
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
I've been watering the vegetable and perennial garden daily with the wand. Hard to keep up. The lawn has to fend for itself and is going dormant in spots. The woman in the picture should go buy a wand for her hose. It's a great tool that puts the water where you need it and saves your arm. I feel it is best to keep the lawn long, it shades the roots and keeps it green longer. I too am concerned about the coming fireworks events.
63Townie
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
I thought "hot and abnormally dry" was generally equivalent to a drought. If you asked my lawn, it would probably say: "heck yeah, it's a drought." in spite of my best attempts at watering.
Ignatz
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
Yesterday I witnessed a grass fire in a park along Grove Rd. This wasn't high grass, either. This was in the main park of the park that has been getting cut. Fireworks are a concern of mine, as well. It's a nightly occurrence with the higher powered explosives.
Cash
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:22 p.m.
Making it worse the driest conditions have been in late May and all of June when plants need the water the most. The farmers in Washtenaw and Monroe Counties are hurting. This is compounding the financial woes from the heat wave in March and the dip to 26F at the end of April....freezing the blossoms off of the apple,pear,peach and plum trees. This is a dire situation for our farmers....while our own little yards are dry, just think how the farmers feel. If this situation continues much longer, they will lose their crop and possibly their farm as well.
thinker
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:16 p.m.
How does this impact fireworks this year? Will they still be allowed? Anyone know?
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 12:14 p.m.
A lot of ponds are extremely low and some swampy areas are dried right up . The one on your left heading west on Austin rd is dried right up. I've never seen it completely dry like it is now.
A2comments
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 11:47 a.m.
WDIV's Chuck Gaidica talked about the soil moisture content being below 10% of what it should be this time of year, which appears to be a more dire indicator of current conditions than how much rain we've had. High temps combined with low June precip have dried things out. Fireworks that have recently been authorized for sale are likely to ignite fires next week.
MRunner73
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 11:28 a.m.
The drought monitor will be updated today and will show expanding drought further into Lower Michigan. This is having significant impacts on the heat potential. Actually, we have already had such impacts with some of the daily high temperature coming in three to five degrees higher than expected for the past few months. That applies to tomorrow's expected high temperature.
FredMax
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 10:29 a.m.
I picked up a soaker hose at Lowes afew weeks ago to run through the garden. 150 feet long, under $10.
Enso
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
I hope you got paid for that advertisement.
Madeleine Borthwick
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
Fred, that's a good price, thanks for the heads-up.