Drought Information Statement for Central and Northeast Wisconsin Valid August 20, 2026 Issued By: WFO Green Bay, WI Contact Information: nws.greenbay@noaa.gov This product will be updated around September 4, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/grb/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/drought-status-update-midwest-2024-04-25 Extreme Drought (D3) expanded into far southwest Vilas and extreme northwest Oneida counties during the past week. Severe Drought (D2) persists over the remainder of the southwest half of Vilas and the northwest half of Oneida counties. Moderate Drought (D1) extends across much of the rest of the area, with a few pockets of Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions across northeast WI. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Midwest Drought intensity and Extent D3 (Extreme Drought): The far southwest portion of Vilas County and extreme northwest Oneida County. D2 (Severe Drought): The remainder of the southwestern half of Vilas County and the northwest half of Oneida County. D1 (Moderate Drought): Much of the rest of central, north-central and NE WI outside a few pockets of Abnormally Dry (D0) across NE WI. D0 (Abnormally Dry): A few pockets across northeast WI. No Category of Drought: None. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Improvement: None. No Change: Portions of east-central WI Worsening: Fox Valley through central, north-central and far NE WI. Precipitation Much of the area has seen precipitation 25-75% of normal over the last 30 days. The exception was for pockets of near normal rainfall across northern sections of Marinette and Oconto counties down to the Fox Valley. Looking at August (through the 20th), Rhinelander and Merrill have only received 10-15% normal rainfall. 30 Day Precipitation Accumulation (inches) 30 Day Percent of Normal Precipitation Temperature Temperature anomalies during the past week were generally near normal to a few degrees above normal. The 30 day temperature anomalies (right image) indicated temps near normal to a few degrees above normal 7 Day Temperature Anomaly 30 Day Temperature Anomaly Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts River levels and flows continue to run below normal for the latter half of August. Agricultural Impacts Discussion with local farmers indicated that the corn, soybean and oat crops are becoming extremely stressed by the dry conditions. Fire Hazard Impacts The continued dry weather has brought a little higher potential for fires despite “green up”. If drier than normal conditions continue into the fall, there would be an increased risk of fires especially on mild, windy days after a frost or freeze. Other Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Recent rain/snow and a few periods of snowmelt has streamflows near normal for late February. Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 2 17 2026 Agricultural Impacts The calculated soil moisture under the 30th percentile has shown worsening soil moisture trends expanding southward over the past few weeks, and now extended generally north of Highway 29 from Wausau to Green Bay. The worst conditions are over Vilas, the northwest half of Oneida into northern Forest and Florence counties. Agricultural Impacts The Crop Moisture Index indicated soil moistures were worsening due to the drought conditions across northern Wisconsin, especially across Oneida into Vilas counties and across Marinette County. Recent spotty thunderstorm activity has kept the Crop Moisture Index near normal from portions of Marinette and Oconto counties south into the Fox Valley. Fire Hazard Impacts The risk of wildland fires is increasing due to worsening drought conditions despite “green up”, especially across north-central and far northeast WI. If drought conditions continue or worsen, there would be an increased risk of wildfires this fall, especially after a solid frost or freeze on mild windy days. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Wisconsin Fire Danger Map Seven Day Precipitation Forecast The graphic shows expected rainfall over the next week ending on August 24th. Localized thunderstorms could bring a few spots higher amounts than forecasted, but is not expected to be widespread. The expected rainfall amounts would have little impact on the drought conditions or river levels. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. Looking out for the next two weeks suggests only minor changes in drought conditions across north-central and northeast Wisconsin. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There is a nearly equal chance for above, below or near normal rainfall in August. There is a nearly equal chance for above, below or near normal temperatures in August. Slightly greater chances for above normal precipitation. Greater chances for below normal temperatures. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The latest Drought Outlook for the late summer into the fall is for drought to persist or worsen. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook