Some More Improvements in the Drought SituationUpdated on Thursday, January 12, 2023
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While there was an improvement in the dryness in the La Crosse Hydrologic Service Area (HSA), abnormally dry (D0) conditions still remain in parts of southeast Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin; and abnormally dry (D0) to moderate (D1) drought in northeast Iowa. U.S. Drought Monitor Summary: In the January 10 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate (D1) to exceptional (D4) drought continued in northwest Iowa. Abnormally dry (D0) to severe (D2) drought was found in southwest and southeast Iowa, and southwest Minnesota Abnormally dry (D0) conditions to moderate (D1) drought were found in north-central Iowa; northwest and east-central Minnesota; and a small part of west-central Wisconsin. Abnormally dry (D0) conditions were found in southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Note: The data cutoff for Drought Monitor maps is Tuesday at 7 a.m. Central Daylight Time.
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. Climatological Summary:
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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 be found at: 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 the length of periods without rain, temperature data, and more. Click on the link below to gain access to this tool. |
As of the morning of January 12, the river and stream flow were near normal in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota, and western 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: |
The next USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service report for Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will be issued on April 3, 2023.
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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%. For additional information on agriculture impacts may be viewed from the: |
As of the morning of January 12, there was a low (fires are not easily started fire danger) fire danger in northeast Iowa, 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 January 12 through January 18, it will be warmer than normal with near-normal precipitation. During this time frame, daily average temperatures range from 14 to 19°F, and precipitation averages around 3-tenths of an inch. Beyond this time frame, the 8 to 14-day forecast (January 19-25) from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is calling for enhanced chances for above-normal temperatures and precipitation. The daily average temperatures for this period range from 13 to 18°F and the normal precipitation is around 3-tenths of an inch. From February through April, the Climate Prediction Center has equal chances of warmer-, near-, and colder-than-normal for the Upper Mississippi River Valley. As far as precipitation, the odds are tilted toward wetter-than-normal. Seasonal temperatures typically average from 26 to 36°F and precipitation ranges from 5.5 to 8 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: |