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Drought Conditions Persist In Michigan

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Saying it's been a dry summer in Michigan would be an understatement -- especially in the southwest part of the state. To see just how bad it is, the undersecretary for the USDA Farm & Foreign Agriculture Services toured farms in the central part of the state Monday.

State climatologist Jeff Andresen said the lack of rain is hurting a number of crops.

"Right at the top of the list would be our corn crop in the state which economically is certainly among the most important," Andresen told WWJ Newsradio 950. "And we also have some pretty serious problems with our forage crops like hay and alfalfa."

Andresen said that even with some rain in the forecast this week, it won't be enough.

"We need several rainfall events probably in succession , half an inch to one inch over a period of a couple weeks to really make a dent in this, because right now, over most of the southern lower peninsula, we're running at least three or four inches behind normal," Andresen said.

In June, Metro Detroit saw just over an inch of rainfall — more than two inches fewer than normal.

RELATED:  Feds Offer Help To Mich. Farmers After Disaster Declared

CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus says Metro Detroit will see high temperatures in the 90s through Tuesday, with temps falling down a bit into the 80s as a front moves through early Wednesday.

An Excessive Heath Watch will be in effect Tuesday for Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe  Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

"Any time you have this kind of heat there's always a chance for a pop up storm," said Madaus, adding that we'll for sure see some rain overnight Tuesday or early Wednesday.

Madaus said early forecasts are calling for another toasty, dry weekend with highs in the 90s.

For the latest, keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. To check out the live, local radar, or for further forecast details anytime, visit our weather page.

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