News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Susan Bobolz plants potatoes in her garden in Alpena on Tuesday. The area is in moderate drought, and people with lawns and gardens will likely have to water their plants because the chance of rain is low for the next week or more. The drought also increases the chance of forest and field fires for firefighters to contend with.

ALPENA — The lack of snow last winter, coupled with little precipitation in Northeast Michigan, has led to moderate drought in some areas of Alpena and Montmorency counties.

All of Alcona County is in moderate drought as well, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System as of May 13.

Moderate drought can lead to stress on crops and lower the depth of wells. It can also lead to severe drought, which could wreak havoc for farmers and firefighters who cope with dry conditions.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Tim Locker said it may seem like Northeast Michigan received a lot of rain, but when compared to long term averages that go back decades, the Alpena area has been well below average for precipitation for the last six months. The rain and snow thaw in the area didn’t soak into the ground, creating the drought conditions early this year, Locker said.

“The area has sandy soil which slows saturation, and the river runoff into the lake can also lead to things drying out quickly,” he said. “The new plantlife also consumes a lot of water, so it really is a combination of things that contribute to drought.”

Local forecasts call for warmer temperatures, but little rain in the coming days, Locker said, and the long term forecast, issued by the Climate Prediction Center, predicts lower than average rain and temperatures heading into the heart of summer, which doesn’t bode well for the area’s place on the drought level scale.

For people who enjoy small bonfires, this means they should take extra precautions to ensure a large fire doesn’t flare up unintentionally.

Alpena Fire Chief Bill Forbush said, in the city, people can have small fires on their property, but only if they are contained and clean wood is used for fuel. He said before any fire is started for recreational purposes, people should check with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website to see if burning is allowed where they are.

As of Tuesday, burning was not allowed in all of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Forbush said when people have fires in the city, they should also have a hose or pail of water nearby to extinguish it if it grows. He said fires should never be left unattended, and, when the fire is over, people should make sure a fire is out completely.

On Tuesday, firefighters from Hubbard Lake, Wilson Township, Sanborn Township and Lincoln Fire Department battled a small forest and grass fire near Chippewa Hills on Tuesday. It was brought under control a couple hours later. At its peak, it was reported by firefighters that the blaze was about four or five acres in size.

If dry conditions persist, it won’t be the last, fire officials say.

On Tuesday people were taking advantage of the dry, warm weather to plant flowers or fruits and vegetables.

Susan Bobolz, 80 of Alpena, was planting potatoes in her garden that has new, freshly spread soil. She takes great pride in her flowers and garden at her home and enjoys working outdoors during the warm months. She knows the current conditions aren’t ideal and rain is needed badly.

“It sure is nice out. That’s for sure, but we need the rain,” she said. “You can see how dry (it is) already.”

Looking ahead, Locker said, people with gardens and lawns should prepare to water with a garden hose and sprinkler, because the chance of rain in the coming week and a half is low.

There is only a 40% chance of rain for Wednesday, and then the next chance is on Monday, but only a 30% chance.

Beyond that, it could be June 1 or longer before raindrops begin to fall.

Locker said the long-range forecast can change significantly, as new weather systems develop, but there is nothing on the immediate horizon making him believe any significant rainfall is in the cards.