Drought Information Statement for Central and Northeast Wisconsin Valid November 20, 2025 Issued By: WFO Green Bay, WI Contact Information: nws.greenbay@noaa.gov This product will be updated around November 28, 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 On the November 20th Drought Monitor, drought continues to worsen and expand across northeast Wisconsin during the past week. Severe Drought (D2) is now being reported across portions of the area, from Rhinelander to Merrill to east of Wausau eastward through Shawano, Marinette and the southern two-thirds of Oconto counties. 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 Langlade and northeast Marathon counties eastward through Marinette and the southern two-thirds of Oconto counties. D1 (Moderate Drought): Rest of the area outside the Severe Drought (D2) area, except for the far north and across portions of Marathon, Wood, Portage and Waushara counties. D0 (Abnormally Dry): South-central Marathon, all of Wood except the far northwest, the southwest half of Portage and the western 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: A few spots across central and east-central WI. Worsening: Drought conditions have worsened across much of the area due to sparse precipitation during November. Precipitation Precipitation deficits have been significant, with most areas receiving less than 50% of normal over the past month. November (through the 19th) has been exceptionally dry, with Wausau recording only 6% of normal, while Rhinelander and Green Bay were at 10% and 18% of normal, respectively. 30 Day Precipitation Accumulation (inches) 30 Day Percent of Normal Precipitation Temperature The 7 day temperature anomalies (left image) were close to normal over central and east-central WI, and one to two degrees above normal across central into portions of east-central WI. The 30 day temperature anomalies (right image) generally ranged from 1 to 4 degrees above normal across the entire area. 7 Day Temperature Anomaly 30 Day Temperature Anomaly Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Rivers flows/levels continue to drop as precipitation across much of the area since August. A few rivers are also approaching low stage marks on the Wisconsin and Wolf River. Agricultural Impacts There should be minimal impacts to agricultural interest since the main growing season has ended. Winter crops could be impacted if the dry weather continues into early winter. Fire Hazard Impacts If we should get a mild and windy day into December before a snow cover arrives, there would be an increased risk of grass or marsh fires on these days. There is also an increased risk of fire due to ATV activity. There have been two large fires attributed to ATVs in grassy/marsh areas in recent weeks. 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 Stream flows are running well below normal over much of central, north-central and northeast WI. Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 12 11 2024 Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture conditions continue to worsen quickly due to the sparse precipitation totals so far in November. Fire Hazard Impacts The risk of wildland fires is low due to the cooler weather. However, any mild and windy day into December (before snow pack arrives) could lead to an increase risk of grassland and marsh fires. Due to the sparse precipitation in November, there is an increased risk of grass/marsh fires due to ATV activity. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Wisconsin Fire Danger Map Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Precipitation amounts over the next week will be on the lighter side, with most places expected to receive under 0.25 inches of precipitation (rain and melted snow). 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 slightly greater chances for above normal precipitation and below normal temperatures in December. 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 Drought is likely to persist through the winter. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook