Drought Information Statement for Central and Northeast Wisconsin Valid November 21, 2024 Issued By: WFO Green Bay, WI Contact Information: nws.greenbay@noaa.gov This product will be updated around December 5, 2024 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 conditions no longer persist across portions of central and east-central WI. Moderate Drought (D1) continues across the north with Severe Drought (D2) across far western Forest, the eastern half of Oneida and Vilas counties. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for [region] Drought intensity and Extent D2 (Severe Drought): Vilas, the eastern half of Oneida and far western Forest counties. D1 (Moderate Drought): Generally north of a Merrill to Shawano to Marinette line, except over far north-central WI. D0 (Abnormally Dry): A small area south of the Moderate Drought (D1) area, but generally north a Wausau to Green Bay to Sturgeon Bay line. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for [region] Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Improvement: Over the past month, a 1 to 2 category improvement in drought conditions was seen across much of central and northeast Wisconsin. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches have been recorded since October 29. No Change: Little change in drought conditions have been noted across portions of far north-central Wisconsin, generally across Vilas, Oneida and far western Forest counties. Worsening: None. Precipitation Most of Vilas and Oneida counties have only seen 75 to 100% of normal precipitation over the past several weeks. A swath of heavy rain from central into northeast WI has resulted in rainfall totals 150 to 300% of normal. Temperature The 7 day (left image) and the 30 day temperature (right image) continued to show temperatures running 3 to 6 above normal during the past week, and 6 to 9 degrees over the last 30 days. Temperatures are expected to remain above normal into this weekend (Nov 23-24), then temperatures are expected to be at or below normal for the remainder of the month. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Rivers across the area have risen from previous lows in October due to recent soaking rainfall events and some snow (Nov 20-21) over the last several weeks. Agricultural Impacts There should be minimal impacts to agricultural interest since the main growing season has ended. Recent rainfall and some snow should help the winter wheat crop. Fire Hazard Impacts Recent rainfall and cooler weather has ended the risk of wildfires. 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 River levels are on the rise during the past several weeks due to the recent soaking rains and some snow. Rivers are running higher than normal in the Fox River basin as 3 to 6 inches of rain has fallen since Oct 29. Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 11 20 2024 Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture conditions are showing wetter than normal conditions across central and east-central WI. Drier than normal conditions continue across far north-central and far northeast Wisconsin as the heavier rain and some snow has fallen south of this region. Fire Hazard Impacts The risk of wildland fires is low due to the recent rains and some snow (Nov 20-21), along with cooler temperatures. Things are still fairly on the dry side across the far north, but very mild temperatures are not expected through early December. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Wisconsin Fire Danger Map Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Some of the rain (melted snow as well) fell today (November 21). The The next chance for rain and snow will be Sunday night into Monday (November 25-26). 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 chances for above, near or below normal temperatures and precipitation during December. Nearly Equal Chances for Above, Below or Near Normal Temps Nearly Equal Chances for Above, Below or Near Normal Precip Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The latest trends in the models indicated above normal precipitation during November, causing the drought to end across portions of central and east-central Wisconsin. Across northern Wisconsin, drought will linger into December, however above normal precipitation may result in improving drought conditions. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook