GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Rain has been limited over the past several weeks, causing drought conditions to become worse in West Michigan.

The latest Drought Monitor update has an expansion of abnormally dry (yellow) and moderate drought (tan) observations throughout West Michigan. Much of Kent County as well as Barry, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties now have moderate drought. Under that classification, well levels are expected to decline and plants and Christmas trees become stressed.

Only a segment of Muskegon and Oceana counties, where a burst of heavy rain happened in September, are excluded from drought.

In Grand Rapids, there have only been seven days with measurable rainfall since the start of meteorological fall, which runs from Sept. 1 through Dec. 1. With only 2.20 inches of precipitation, it’s the seventh driest start to meteorological fall on record. It’s the driest 53-day period of Sept. 1 through Oct. 23 since 1979.

A substantial shortfall in precipitation is being observed for many West Michigan cities.

Moving forward, there’s a solid chance of rain developing late Thursday night carrying forward through Friday morning. Forecast models are in consensus on approximately .25 to .5 inches in Grand Rapids. The greatest totals are expected to be near and south of I-96.

Another chance of rain develops near the middle of next week in the lead up to Halloween.