Dryness Continues across Much of the AreaUpdated on Thursday, February 25, 2021
|
![]() |
||||||
Summary: | |||||||
Since October 1, 1 to 4-inch precipitation deficits have developed across southeast Minnesota; west-central and north-central Wisconsin; and most of northeast Iowa. The largest departures are in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. Due to these precipitation deficits, abnormally dry (D0) conditions continue across the aforementioned areas.
In the February 25, release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry (D0) to extreme (D3) drought was seen across western Iowa. Abnormally dry (D0) to severe (D2) drought was seen across southwest Minnesota. Abnormally dry (D0) to moderate (D1) drought was seen across west-central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota; central Illinois; and northeast Indiana. Abnormally dry (D0) conditions were seen across the remainder of Minnesota; western and northern Wisconsin; and parts of northeast Iowa. Note: The data cutoff for Drought Monitor maps is Tuesday at 7 a.m. Central Daylight Time.
Abnormally Dry (D0) in all or parts of:
![]()
No known actions are taking place at this time. Climatological Summary: Since October 1, 1 to 4-inch precipitation deficits have developed across southeast Minnesota; west-central and north-central Wisconsin; and most of northeast Iowa. The largest departures are in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. Due to these precipitation deficits, abnormally dry (D0) conditions continue.
|
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a weekly collaborative effort between a number of federal agencies including NOAA/NWS, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Drought Mitigation Center. Details and explanations of the Drought Monitor can found at the web site: The categories of drought are defined as follows: Moderate Drought (D1) - Some damage to crops, pastures; fire risk high; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent, voluntary water use restrictions requested. Severe Drought (D2) - Crop or pasture losses likely; fire risk very high; water shortages common; water restrictions imposed. Extreme Drought (D3) - Major crop/pasture losses; extreme fire danger; widespread water shortages or restrictions. Exceptional Drought (D4) - Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; exceptional fire risk; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells, creating water emergencies. Disaster & Drought Assistance:
Other Drought Web Sites:
Drought ACIS: This tool allows you the ability to explore data related to drought from the Regional Climate Centers (RCCs). You can look at length or periods without rain, temperature data, and more. Click on the logo below to gain access to this tool. |
As of February 23, the river and stream flows were near-normal in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, western Wisconsin.
|
Hourly and forecast river stages out to 90 days can be found at: Additional Current stream and river stages may be viewed at: An interactive table of sites which are at or near record flows can be found at: |
As of the morning of February 23, low fire danger (fires are not easily started) was seen across Minnesota and Wisconsin. As a reminder, citizens should always check with local officials in their area before undertaking any outside burning. Citizens are liable for damages and suppression costs of any wildfire they may start. |
Description of Fire Danger Ratings For updated DNR Fire Conditions consult the following Web Sites: The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is a drought index that is specifically related to fire potential. The KDBI is broken into four categories which indicate the susceptibility of ground fuels to fire danger. Below are the four categories and a brief description of each.
KBDI and Dead Fuel Moisture data can be found through the: Burn Bans: |
|
For updated temperature and precipitation probabilities consult the following Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Web Sites:
NCEP's CFSv2 (Coupled Forecast System Model Version 2): |
|||||||
If you have any questions or comments about this drought information please contact the NWS La Crosse at: E-mail: nws.lacrosse@noaa.gov |
Other Contacts: State climate impacts: |