Drought Information Statement for Central and Northeast Wisconsin Valid January 1, 2026 Issued By: WFO Green Bay, WI Contact Information: nws.greenbay@noaa.gov This product will be updated around December 20, 2025 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/grb/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/drought-status-update-midwest-2024-04-25 Severe Drought (D2) continues across portions of northeast WI from just east of Rhinelander and Wausau eastward to Marinette and the northern two-thirds Oconto counties. Recent rain and snow over the last few weeks has prevented drought conditions from worsening. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for [region] Drought intensity and Extent D2 (Severe Drought): From southeast Oneida, eastern Lincoln and northeast Marathon counties eastward through Marinette and the northern two-thirds of Oconto counties. D1 (Moderate Drought): Areas outside the Severe Drought (D2) area except across the far north and across portions of south-central Marathon, the southeast two-thirds of Wood, the southwest half of Portage and the southwest two-thirds of Waushara counties. D0 (Abnormally Dry): South-central Marathon, the southeast two-thirds of Wood, the southwest half of Portage and the south west two-thirds of Waushara counties. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for [region] Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Improvement: None. No Change: The entire area. Recent rain and snow with low water content during December into early January has prevented the drought from worsening. Worsening: None. Precipitation Precipitation over the last month are running 50-75% of normal across the north and closer to near normal to slightly above across central and east-central WI. 30 Day Precipitation Accumulation (inches) 30 Day Percent of Normal Precipitation Temperature The 7 day temperature anomalies (left image) capture a mild spell on Christmas that ended on the 30th of December with below normal temperatures again on the 1st and 2nd of January. The 30 day temperature anomalies (right image) indicated temperatures ranged 3-6 degrees below normal. It was the coldest first half of December in nearly 20 years at Green Bay. 7 Day Temperature Anomaly 30 Day Temperature Anomaly Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Recent rainfall and snowmelt from a mild stretch of weather around Christmas has brought river levels up and stream flows closer to normal. Agricultural Impacts There should be minimal impacts to agricultural interest since the main growing ended. Winter crops could be impacted if the dry weather continues through the winter. . Fire Hazard Impacts The risk of fires is very low due to recent precipitation and a snowpack across the region. Other Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Recent rain and snowmelt from a mild stretch of weather around Christmas has brought stream flows closer to normal for early January. Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 12 11 2024 Agricultural Impacts Much of the area continues to indicate a frost depth of several inches during the mild stretch of weather at the end of December, resulting in snow melt and some rain ran off and did not soak into the soil. Fire Hazard Impacts The risk of wildland fires is low due to a snowpack and recent precipitation across the region. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Wisconsin Fire Danger Map Seven Day Precipitation Forecast There is a chance of light snow Saturday, and then a more substantial snow event Sunday afternoon and Sunday night. There is a chance of wintry mix on Tuesday. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. Looking out for the next two weeks suggests that only minor changes in drought conditions across north-central and northeast WI. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There are nearly equal chances of above, below or near normal precipitation during January. There is a greater chance for below normal temperatures during January. Slightly greater chances for above normal precipitation. Greater chances for below normal temperatures. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The latest Drought Outlook for the winter into early spring is calling for at least an improvement in drought conditions and may come to an end in some spots. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook