Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >

2024 Wisconsin Fire Weather Annual Operating Plan

Wisconsin Fire Weather Decision Support Services Website
(Statewide forecast graphics and links)

Wisconsin Fire Weather Dashboard from NWS Duluth, MN

Fire Weather Briefing Page

Local Spot Forecasts

Local Spot Forecast requests/monitoring - Official Use Only

Fire Weather Planning Forecast

For South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
- Check out our Graphical Forecast page for a quick look at forecast weather conditions. The South Central and Southeast Wisconsin narrative is created from these graphics!
For Southwest Wisconsin
For Southern Minnesota and West Central Wisconsin
For Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin
For Northeast Wisconsin

Spot Fire Weather Forecasts

For South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
For Southwest Wisconsin
For Southern Minnesota and West Central Wisconsin
For Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin
For Northeast Wisconsin

Point Forecasts

For South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
For Southwest Wisconsin
For Southern Minnesota and West Central Wisconsin
For Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin
For Northeast Wisconsin

Fire Districts and
NWS Zone Numbers Map

Fuel and Soil Moisture Maps

10 Hour Fuel Moisture Map, Weighed Or Computed For 1/4 To 1 Inch Diameter Fuels.
100 Hour Fuel Moisture Map, Weighed Or Computed For 1 To 3 Inch Diameter Fuels.
1000 Hour Fuel Moisture Map, Weighed Or Computed For 3 To 8 Inch Diameter Fuels.
Keetch-Byram Drought Index Soil Moisture Drought Index, U.S.
Palmer Drought Index Updated Weekly, U.S.
U.S. Drought Monitor & Seasonal Outlook

Fire Weather Program : Some Background

Fire weather forecasts are prepared by the NWS for various fire control agencies in Wisconsin on a seasonal schedule from early Spring to late Fall. Start-up and termination of the fire weather season is mainly related to snow coverage across Wisconsin and will be requested by the U.S. Forest Service and the Wisconsin DNR Bureau of Forestry.

Past history indicates Spring to be the most active season for fire in Wisconsin, since dead fuels are abundant and relative humidity values often drop to very low levels. Fall may be another peak time for the fire weather agencies, due to a new source of fuel from dying vegetation due to freezing temperatures.

-Typical Seasons-

Spring Fire Weather Season....March 15 to June 15
Summer Fire Weather Season....June 15 to September 1
Fall Fire Weather Season....September 1 to November 15