Recent Rain Eliminates the Abnormally Dry (D0) Conditions across the Area

From May 26 through June 2, anywhere from a quarter to 1.5 inches of rain fell across southeast Minnesota.  Meanwhile, 1 to 4.26 inches (Guttenberg, IA) fell across northeast Iowa and western Wisconsin.  This rain alleviated the abnormally dry (D0) conditions which had developed across the area since March 1, 2020.

U.S. Drought Monitor Summary:

In the June 2 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry (D0) to moderate (D1) drought conditions were seen from west-central to northeast Minnesota.

Abnormally dry (D0) conditions remain in southwest Iowa and a small portion in northern Wisconsin near Lake Superior.

Note: The data cutoff for Drought Monitor maps is Tuesday at 7 a.m. Central Daylight Time.

 

State Drought Statistics

Local Area Affected:

Abnormally dry (D0) conditions no longer exist across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and western Wisconsin.

State/Local Government Actions:

No known actions are taking place at this time.

Climatological Summary:

Recent rains have reduced the precipitation deficts which had developed across many areas since March 1, 2020.  Precipitation anomalies now range from a deficit of 2.34 inches (Oelwein 1E, IA) to a surplus 2.26 inches (Theilman 1SSW, MN).  With the soil moisture improving, no area is considered to be abnormally dry (D0) or in drought at this time.   Here is a map of the precipitation deficits & surpluses during this time period.

The following tables show the precipitation totals and deficits from July 1 through June 2, 2020.

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:

U.S. Drought Monitor

The categories of drought are defined as follows:

Abnormally Dry (D0) - Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures; fire risk above average. Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully recovered.

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.


Potential Evapotranspiration Rates:

• Iowa
• Minnesota & Wisconsin

Disaster & Drought Assistance:

• USDA
• County Drought Disaster List
• Disaster Assistance Programs FSA
• Emergency Farm Loans
• Emergency Haying & Grazing

Other Drought Web Sites:

• Minnesota DNR
• ReadyWisconsin (Part of the Wisconsin Emergency Management Team)

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.

http://drought.rcc-acis.org/

As of June 2, the river and stream flows were normal to much above-normal across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and western Wisconsin.

Hourly and forecast river stages out to 90 days can be found at:

• NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS)

Additional Current stream and river stages may be viewed at:

• USGS WaterWatch

An interactive table of sites which are at or near record flows can be found at:

• USGS WaterWatch 

The following reports came from the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending on May 31.

Iowa:

Rain throughout the week resulted in 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 31, 2020. Warmer temperatures advanced crop development.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1% very short, 1% short, 78% adequate and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0% very short, 1% short, 81% adequate and 18% surplus. 

Iowa farmers have planted 98% of the expected corn crop, 2 weeks ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. 

The soybean crop moved to 95% planted, 3 weeks ahead of last year and over 2 weeks ahead of average. 

Hay condition rated 74% good to excellent. Pasture condition improved to 66% good to excellent. There was little stress on livestock although feedlots remain muddy.

Minnesota:

Continued dry weather conditions allowed for 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 31, 2020.

Field activities for the week included spraying, planting, moving cattle and cutting hay.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 2% very short, 10% short, 79% adequate and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture
supplies were rated 1% very short, 6% short, 80% adequate and 13% surplus.

Minnesota’s corn planting progress was almost complete at 99% planted. 

Soybean planting progress was 95% completed, 17 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of average. 

The first cutting of alfalfa hay was in full swing and was 21% completed. Hay condition was rated 68% good to excellent.

Pasture conditions remained at 67% good to excellent.

Wisconsin:

Wisconsin had 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 31, 2020. Very warm and humid conditions marked the beginning of this week with highs rising into the 80s and 90s. Crop emergence and development
jumped in response. Temperatures fell sharply for the latter half of the week as a cold front accompanied 2 days of heavy rain. Fieldwork progress stalled just as many farmers were wrapping up their spring plantings and starting to cut hay. This moisture was especially unwelcome in eastern Wisconsin, where frequent rains and mud have slowed fieldwork for the past few weeks. Reporters in the area noted ponding in low spots and signs of moisture stress on young plants.

Topsoil moisture condition was rated 0% very short, 2% short, 75% adequate and 23% surplus. Subsoil moisture
condition was rated 0% very short, 2% short, 73% adequate and 25% surplus.

Corn planting was 94% complete, 25 days ahead of last year and a 10 days ahead of the average. 

Soybean planting was 88% complete, 23 days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the average. 

All hay condition was reported 56% in good to excellent condition statewide, unchanged from last week.

Pasture condition was rated 73% in good to excellent condition, unchanged from last week.

Soil moisture supply measures how much moisture is present in cropland top soil during the week. Soil moisture is reported as a percentage. The categories very short, short, adequate and surplus must add up to 100%.

Very Short - Soil moisture supplies are significantly less than what is required for normal plant development. Growth has been stopped, or nearly so, and plants are showing visible signs of moisture stress. Under these conditions, plants will quickly suffer irreparable damage.

Short - Soil dry.  Seed germination and/or normal crop growth and development would be curtailed.

Adequate - Soil moist.  Seed germination and/or crop growth and development would be normal or unhindered.

Surplus - Soil wet.  Fields may be muddy and will generally be unable to absorb additional moisture.  Young developing crops may be yellowing from excess moisture.

The map below lists the Agricultural Districts in southeast Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northeast Iowa.

For additional information on agriculture impacts may be viewed from the:

• USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
• Iowa
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin

Description of Fire Danger Ratings

• Low fire danger
• Moderate fire danger
• High fire danger
• Very High Danger
• Extreme fire danger

For updated DNR Fire Conditions consult the following Web Sites:

• Minnesota DNR
• Wisconsin DNR

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:

• Wildland Fire Assessment System (WFAS)

Burn Bans:

• Iowa

• 8 to 14 Day Outlook
• Experimental Week 3 & 4 Outlooks 
• 30 Day Outlook
• 90 Day Outlook

NCEP's CFSv2 (Coupled Forecast System Model Version 2):

• Weekly
• Monthly
• Seasonal

County Analysis Precipitation Tool

If you have any questions or comments about this drought information please contact the NWS La Crosse at:

E-mail: nws.lacrosse@noaa.gov
Telephone: 608-784-8275

Other Contacts:

Local Agricultural Impacts:

• Cooperative Extension Agency
• Farm Service Agency

State climate impacts:

• American Association of State Climatologists (AASC)