And not much rain came down this morning.

Relentless heat and a lack of rain are pushing more and more of Michigan into drought, jeopardizing the state’s lucrative fruit and grain crops in a trend that one meteorologist calls “alarming.”

Nearly 80 percent of the state is in abnormally dry or drought conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Almost a quarter of Michigan is experiencing at least moderate drought conditions, up from 8 percent last week, according to a report this week from NOAA. Some areas in southwest Michigan, along the Indiana border, are in severe drought.

Across the state, rainfall totals this year are well below normal, and forecasters warn that chances are slim for significant rainfall anytime soon.     Detroit News