Drought Information Statement for Central and Northeast Wisconsin Valid August 14, 2026 Issued By: WFO Green Bay, WI Contact Information: nws.greenbay@noaa.gov This product will be updated around August 28, 2026 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 Drought continues to worsen across central, north-central and northeast WI. Severe Drought (D2) persists over the southwest half of Vilas and the northwest half of Oneida counties. Moderate Drought (D1) now extends across much of the rest of the area, with a few pockets of Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions across northeast WI. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Midwest Drought intensity and Extent D2 (Severe Drought): Southwestern half of Vilas County and the northwest half of Oneida County. D1 (Moderate Drought): Much of the rest of central, north-central and NE WI outside a few pockets of Abnormally Dry (D0) across NE WI. D0 (Abnormally Dry): A few pockets across northeast WI. No Category of Drought: None. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Improvement: None. No Change: Portions of east-central WI Worsening: Fox Valley through central, north-central and far NE WI. Precipitation Much of the area has seen precipitation 25-75% of normal over the last 30 days. The exception was for pockets of near normal rainfall across northern sections of Marinette and Oconto counties down to the Fox Valley due to recent scattered thunderstorm activity that brought heavy rainfall. 30 Day Precipitation Accumulation (inches) 30 Day Percent of Normal Precipitation Temperature Temperature anomalies during the past week were generally near normal to a few degrees above normal. The 30 day temperature anomalies (right image) indicated temps averaging 1-4 degrees above normal 7 Day Temperature Anomaly 30 Day Temperature Anomaly Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Thunderstorm activity has brought sporadic amounts of higher rainfall across northeast WI to keep the rivers at or below normal for mid August. Agricultural Impacts There should be minimal impacts to agricultural interests. Fire Hazard Impacts The risk of fires is low due to greenup. If drier than normal conditions continue into the fall, there would be an increased risk of fires into early winter. 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/snow and a few periods of snowmelt has streamflows near normal for late February. Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 2 17 2026 Agricultural Impacts The calculated soil moisture was under the 30th percentile across portions of north-central and far northeast Wisconsin. The worst conditions are over Vilas, northwest half of Oneida into northern Forest and Florence counties. Agricultural Impacts The Crop Moisture Index indicates drier than normal conditions across northern Wisconsin. Recent thunderstorm activity has kept the Crop Moisture Index near normal from portions of Marinette and Oconto counties south into the Fox Valley. Fire Hazard Impacts The risk of wildland fires is low since vegetation is in the “green” state. If drought conditions continue to worsen this fall, there could be an increased risk of wildfires especially after a solid frost or freeze. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Wisconsin Fire Danger Map Seven Day Precipitation Forecast The graphic shows expected rainfall over the next week. The system for Saturday (Aug 15) does not look as promising for heavy rainfall compared to a few days ago, especially across northern WI. There is another chance of showers and thunderstorms in the Tuesday and Wednesday timeframe. 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 only minor changes in drought conditions across north-central and northeast Wisconsin. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There is a nearly equal chance for above, below or near normal rainfall in August. There is a nearly equal chance for above, below or near normal temperatures in August. 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 late summer into the fall is for drought to persist or worsen. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook