I most recall the drought that occurred in late spring-early summer. When it finally broke with an after-dark thunderstorm, we were so happy that we ran out into the backyard, let it drench us, and whooped it up.

This from the National Weather service.

The 1988 Summer Drought and Heat - Not only was the summer of 1988 one of the hottest on record, it was also one of the driest.

It was arguably the worst drought in Southeast Michigan since the droughts of the 1930s. The drought was worst early in the summer, as rainfall began to increase late July through August. Between June 3rd and July 15th, rainfall at the three climate sites was as follows; Detroit – 0.64 inch, Flint – 0.12 inch, Saginaw – 0.69 inch.

Had it not been for two days with measurable rain, there would have been 37 consecutive days with no rain at all, not even a trace at all three climate sites.

Particularly hard hit was the agricultural community where losses were well in the millions. The dry conditions were only worsened by the extreme heat. Detroit, for example, broke 90 degrees on 39 days and had 18 days of 95+ high temps. There were also several days where highs came close to or exceeded 100 degrees across the entire region.