Central Lower Michigan - MI06

Included Counties: Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Osceola

Watersheds:

Kawkawlin-Pine, Lower Grand, Manistee, Maple, Muskegon, Pine, Shiawassee, Tittabawassee

Geography The Central Lower Climatic Division of Michigan is characterized by gently rolling farmland with patches of mixed forests. Of note, the Chippewa River, with headwaters in Mecosta County, flows northeastward through the town of Mt. Pleasant towards Saginaw Bay. The surrounding terrain is gently rolling farmland. Occasional oil wells add contrast to the landscape. Field crops include corn, hay, wheat, and dry beans with some livestock raised in this area. Overview As a result of the prevailing westerly winds, Mt. Pleasant does experience some lake effect. This is minimal, however, and essentially limited to increased cloudiness during the late fall and early winter. The continental type of climate of Mt. Pleasant is characterized by larger temperature ranges than in areas at the same latitude near the Great Lakes which have moderated temperatures. Diminished wind speeds or winds which do not traverse large unfrozen lakes often produce clearing skies and the colder temperatures expected at continental locations. Because the day-to-day weather is controlled by the movement of pressure systems across the nation, this area seldom experiences prolonged periods of hot, humid weather in the summer or extreme cold during the winter.