The Unexpected Upside To Michigan’s Insane March Storms

Michigan's end-of-winter/early spring weather has been some of the most bizarre weather the state has seen in some time. An ice storm in the northern region of the lower peninsula left hundreds of thousands without power and destroyed over 1 million acres of land, causing Governor Whitmer to declare a state of emergency. While this was happening up north, the southern region of the Lower Peninsula was dealing with a storm system that generated over 13 tornadoes and 3 more the next day.

All this precipitation has caused flooding around the state, and while there has been destruction as a result of these storms, there has been a curious side-effect that is a pro. Michigan is the most hydrated it has been in months. This is a screenshot from the Drought Monitor as of April 10th, 2025, showing a state that is not experiencing much drought.

⬇️ANNUAL RAINFALL IN GRAND RAPIDS SINCE 2000⬇️

Now, I understand this sounds like a no-brainer observation. If it is raining, obviously an area won't experience as much drought. Plus, was Michigan really in a drought? Surprisingly, yes, it just hasn't been a drought like many are familiar with, sweltering heat.

To show how things looked over the last couple of months, take a look at this map of Michigan one week prior to the storms on April 1st. 

But we can look even further back than that. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has something called a "water year" that begins on October 1st of a year and September 31st of the following year and is used to measure yearly precipitation.

READ MORE: Old Farmer's Almanac Predicts A Late & Dry Spring In Michigan |

It doesn't follow a calendar year because water in the latter months of the year may remain stationary longer than at other times of the year. This is how Michigan looked prior to Winter taking full effect.

Much of the state, and the Upper Peninsula especially, was seeing drought of some kind. Compared to where the state is today, it is a drastic improvement. Once the flooded farmland from these storms has dried, it will be in great condition for the growing season.