Report shows severe drought for Branch and St. Joseph counties

Branch and St. Joseph counties are in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report issued last week.

With heavy early spring rains, drought conditions are not yet a problem for farmers but could get worse as summer progresses. The drought is also serious for home gardeners who must water to maintain growth.

Jeff Andresen, an agricultural meteorologist with Michigan State University Extension, said hot, humid weather, with scattered isolated showers this week is consistent with weather patterns Fourth of July week.

Andresen warned that the long-range July forecast predicts a return to the April-May-June weather pattern with less and more scattered rain.

Andresen compared this year to a severe drought in 1988.

Last week much of Branch and St. Joseph counties got an inch of rain, the first for June.

On the upside, the dry weather meant less disease and pests on the crops so far this year, Andersen said.