Traverse City, Michigan experienced an exceptionally wet summer in 2025, with heavy rainfall, high temperatures, and even wildfire smoke making headlines. The season’s peak came on June 22, which turned out to be the city’s wettest day of the summer, recording 1.65 inches of rain in just 24 hours.
Summer Rainfall Well Above Normal
Between June and August, Traverse City received a total of 11.63 inches of rainfall, which is 2.74 inches above the usual seasonal average. According to the National Weather Service Gaylord Office, this made Traverse City the wettest reporting location in northern Michigan during the 2025 meteorological summer.
While rain was frequent throughout the season, August turned out to be slightly drier, with a monthly total of 2.63 inches, falling 0.77 inches below average. The wettest day that month was August 19, which brought only 0.59 inches of rain.
Heat Accompanied the Rain
It wasn’t just the rain that stood out this summer—temperatures were also higher than normal. Traverse City recorded an average summer temperature of 68.9°F, which was 0.5°F warmer than the long-term average. Interestingly, June 22 wasn’t just the wettest day—it also tied with August 9 for the season’s hottest day, hitting 94°F.
Effects on Vegetation and Local Water Levels
The combination of frequent rain and warm weather led to lush green vegetation and elevated water levels in the region, especially across Grand Traverse County. However, the extra moisture did come with its challenges. Localized flooding was reported in low-lying areas, especially during peak rainstorms.
Wildfire Smoke Impacted Air Quality
Adding to the unusual weather pattern was the presence of wildfire smoke from Canada, which affected Traverse City, particularly in early August. During this time, hazy skies and poor air quality were observed, especially when high-pressure systems followed summer storms.
Weather Summary for Traverse City Summer 2025
Here’s a quick look at the key stats from Traverse City’s summer weather:
| Weather Factor | Data (June–August 2025) |
|---|---|
| Total Rainfall | 11.63 inches (+2.74 above average) |
| Wettest Day | June 22 (1.65 inches) |
| Driest Month | August (2.63 inches, -0.77 below avg) |
| Hottest Days | June 22 & August 9 (94°F) |
| Average Temp | 68.9°F (+0.5°F above average) |
| Smoke/Haze | Early August (due to Canadian fires) |
This summer in Traverse City was anything but ordinary. With record rainfall, higher-than-usual temperatures, and smoky skies, residents experienced a season full of unpredictable weather. While the extra moisture helped boost local greenery and water levels, it also brought concerns like flooding and poor air quality. As climate patterns continue to shift, such weather extremes might become more common in the coming years.
