Drought Information Statement for Northeast IA, Southeast MN, & Western, WI Valid October 1, 2026 Issued By: WFO La Crosse, WI Contact Information: w-arx.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated when abnormally dry or drought conditions once again develop in the area. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/ARX/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Moderate (D1) to severe (D2) drought continues mainly north of Interstate 94. Due to a wet September, there was improvement in the abnormally dry (D0) and moderate (D1) drought conditions between Interstates 90 and 94. Severe drought (D2) continues across Taylor (WI), the northern third of Clark (WI), and northwest Buffalo (WI) counties. Moderate drought (D1) continues across northern Wabasha (MN), northeast Buffalo (WI), northern Trempealeau (WI), much of Jackson (WI), and southern two-thirds of Clark (WI) counties. Recent Change in Drought Intensity The severe (D2) drought in the southern two-thirds of Clark (WI) county was changed to moderate (D1) drought. There was 1-category improvement between Interstates 90 and 94. This resulted in some removal of the abnormally dry (D0) conditions and moderate (D1) drought. Precipitation Rainfall north of Interstate 94 has been anywhere from 50 to 75% of normal since late June. This has resulted in the development of moderate (D1) to severe (D2) drought mainly north of Interstate 94. A very wet September caused some improvement in the dryness between Interstates 90 & 94. Temperature During the past 7 days, high temperatures averaged up to 6°F colder than normal south of Interstate 94. Temperatures were near-normal elsewhere. During the past 90 days (since late June), temperature departures were up to 3°F warmer than normal. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Agricultural Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Fire Hazard Impacts As of the morning of September 29, fire danger was low (fires are not easily started) across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and from southwest into central Wisconsin. Other Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Mitigation Actions No known actions are taking place in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and western Wisconsin. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts As of the morning of September 29, stream flows remain below normal north of Interstate 94. Due to this moderate (D1) to severe (D2) drought continue in these areas. A very wet September caused some improvement in the abnormally dry (D0) conditions and moderate (D1) drought between Interstates 90 & 94. Fire Hazard Impacts As of the morning of September 29, fire danger was low (fires are not easily started) across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and from southwest into central Wisconsin. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast From October 2 through October 9, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) is forecasting up to a tenth of an inch across the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Normal precipitation is between 0.6” and 0.7” for this time period. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. From October 9 through October 15, rapid onset drought (at least a 2-category degradation) is not expected in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and from southwest into central Wisconsin. Long-Range Outlooks From October-December, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has tilted the odds toward temperatures warmer than normal (40-50%) across the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Equal chances of above-, near-, and below-normal precipitation is expected. During strong and very strong El Niño, the odds are tilted toward very wet, but it is not a statistically significant signal. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal drought outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought is expected to improve or end north of Interstate 94 through the end of 2026.