Paula Porter for the Gazette A portion of beach near off of Houghton's Lakeshore Drive was washed away after heavy overnight rains on the morning of June 21. The 3-4 inches added to above average precipitation for the month.

HOUGHTON — While not equaling the tragic 2018 Father’s Day Flood, a severe thunderstorm in the early morning hours of June 21 greatly added to the above average rain total for the month. While not nearly as destructive as the deadly 2018 weather event, the excess of four inches of rain in some spots in Houghton County washed out portions of county roads and city streets, while no homes were lost and no injuries were reported.

The three to four inches of rain overnight surpassed Houghton County’s average monthly precipitation of 2.8 inches. Joseph Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service Marquette office, said most of the Copper Country was wetter than normal for the month. “The Copper Country experienced above normal precipitation in June except for western Ontonagon county and Keweenaw County, which was near normal or slightly below normal.”

“Generally speaking, widespread four to six inches of rain occurred over Baraga and Houghton counties, with two to four in Ontonagon County and one to three in Keweenaw County,” Phillips added.

Rain totals varied by location in June with Dollar Bay and Houghton County Memorial Airport reporting 5.39″ and 5.38″ respectively while Copper Harbor saw less than two inches of rainfall at 1.89″. Rainfall was above average in Baraga County with Baraga, Watton and Herman all seeing more than four inches for the month.

Not only was June wetter than normal, it was warmer too, albeit slightly. “Temperatures were near normal or slightly above normal on average,” Phillips said. “The hottest stretch was June 21-23, where widespread 80s and 90s were observed.”

Phillips said June’s hottest day was June 22 when Kearsarge hit 91, Baraga and Herman 92, Watton 94, Copper Harbor 84 and 87 at the Houghton County Airport.

Looking ahead, Phillips said things appear to be on the same path for the month ahead. “July, overall looks to favor above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.”

Phillips added that July is still being the thunderstorm season which means areas could receive a lot of rain in a single storm but still average out to near normal for the month.