No Changes in the DroughtUpdated on Thursday, November 23, 2023 |
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From November 22 through November 28, precipitation totals ranged from a trace to around a quarter of an inch. The highest precipitation total was 0.25" at St. Ansgar, IA. During this time period, typically 4-tenths of an inch of precipitation falls. With below-normal precipitation falling during the past week, there was no change in the drought situation this week. Below are some impacts of this moderate (D1) to extreme (D3) drought.
Modernized Drought Information Statement (DGT) can be found here. Note: The impacts of any rain that fell after 7 AM Tuesday, November 28 will be evaluated next week. U.S. Drought Monitor Summary: In the November 28 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry (D0) to extreme (D3) drought continued across Iowa. The drought is the worst in the eastern part of the state. Abnormally dry (D0) to severe (D2) drought continues in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Note: The data cutoff for Drought Monitor maps is Tuesday at 7 a.m. Central Daylight Time.
Extreme (D3) Drought in all or parts of:
Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) Drought in all or parts of:
Severe (D2) Drought in all or parts of:
Moderate (D1) to Extreme (D3) Drought in all or parts of:
Moderate (D1) to Severe (D2) Drought in all or parts of:
Moderate (D1) Drought in all or parts of:
Abnormally Dry (D0) to Extreme (D3) Drought in all or parts of:
Abnormally Dry (D0) to Severe (D2) Drought in all or parts of:
Abnormally Dry (D0) to Moderate (D1) Drought in all or parts of:
Abnormally Dry (D0) in all or parts of:
No known actions are taking place at this time in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and western Wisconsin. Climatological Summary:
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The U.S. Drought Monitor is a weekly collaborative effort between several federal agencies including NOAA/NWS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Drought Mitigation Center. Details and explanations of the Drought Monitor can be found at: The categories of drought are defined as follows: Moderate Drought (D1) - Some damage to crops and 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:
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As of the morning of November 28, the river and stream flows ranged from much below to near normal in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota; and below to near normal in southwest and central Wisconsin. NOTE: This is time-sensitive and conditions could change. Updated river and streamflow conditions can be found via links to the right. |
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 that are at or near record flows can be found at: |
Here are the latest Agricultural Statistics Service reports for Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin issued on November 27, 2023. Iowa A relatively dry week with snow falling at the weekend resulted in 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week. Fieldwork activities started to slow down this week with reports of fertilizer and manure application wrapping up.
Corn harvested for grain is virtually complete with farmers in the southern part of the State still running a few combines, 9 days ahead of the 5-year average. Cattle grazing on stalk fields continued this week, while no reports were received regarding livestock conditions. Minnesota The 2023 season ended with widespread snow and many frozen fields in Minnesota with 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Farmers were
Sunflower harvest was almost complete at 95 percent. Wisconsin Wisconsin had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week. Corn harvest, fall tillage, and manure application continued during most of the week. Weekend snowfall slowed the remaining fieldwork in some areas.
The corn for grain harvest was 85 percent complete, near the progress from both last year and the five-year average. The moisture content of corn harvested for grain was 19 percent. The soybean harvest neared completion with 98 percent harvested. Ninety-seven percent of the winter wheat crop has emerged. Winter wheat condition was 66 percent good to excellent, up 1 percent from last week. Fall tillage was 75 percent complete, 8 days behind last year.
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Soil moisture supply measures how much moisture is present in cropland topsoil during the week. Soil moisture is reported as a percentage. The categories very short, short, adequate, and surplus must add up to 100%. Additional information on agriculture impacts may be viewed from the: |
As of the morning of November 28, fire danger was moderate (fires start easily and spread at a moderate rate) across northeast Iowa. Meanwhile, there was low (fires start easily and spread at a low rate) fire danger in southeast Minnesota. and western Wisconsin. NOTE: This is time-sensitive and conditions could change from day to day. Fire conditions can change drastically on drier, windy days. Updated DNR fire conditions can be found via links to the right. 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: |
From November 30 through December 5, temperatures will average above normal, and precipitation will average below normal. During this time frame, daily average temperatures range from 25 to 30°F, and precipitation is around 3-tenths of an inch. From December 6 through December 12 (8-14 day outlook), the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has enhanced chances for above-normal temperatures and precipitation. The normal daily average temperatures for this period range from 22 to 27°F and the normal precipitation is around 4-tenths of an inch. From December 13 through December 18, the CFS version 2 continues to show warmer-than-normal temperatures and near-normal precipitation. The normal daily average temperatures for this period range from 20 to 25°F and the normal precipitation is around 3-tenths of an inch. From January through March 2024, the Climate Prediction Center has enhanced chances for above-normal temperatures and equal chances of above-, near-, and below-normal precipitation for the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Seasonal temperatures typically range from the mid-teens to mid-20s, and precipitation ranges from 3.5 to 5 inches. Below are the seasonal outlooks for the next year.
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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: |