Drought Information Statement for Central and Northeast Wisconsin Valid September 3, 2026 Issued By: WFO Green Bay, WI Contact Information: nws.greenbay@noaa.gov This product will be updated around September 21, 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) continues across far southwest Vilas and extreme northwest Oneida counties. Severe Drought (D2) or Moderate Drought (D1) continues over much of the rest of the area. There were a few pockets of Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions in Brown, Kewaunee, far northern Manitowoc. Menominee, west-central Oconto, far southeast Outagamie and northern Shawano counties. 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 the extreme northwest corner of Oneida County. D2 (Severe Drought): Generally north and west of a Wausau to Argonne to Peshtigo line as well as central portions of Door 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 There are pockets across north-central and far NE WI where the 30 day precipitation total was less than 25% of normal. The worst conditions were from Vilas and Oneida counties eastward into Forest and Florence counties. 30 Day Precipitation Accumulation (inches) 30 Day Percent of Normal Precipitation Temperature Temperature anomalies during the past week were around normal near Lake Michigan, to a degree or two from Green Bay and the Fox Valley into central, north-central and far NE WI. The 30 day temperature anomalies (right image) indicated temps near normal over eastern WI to a degree or two above normal across portions of central north- central and far NE WI. 7 Day Temperature Anomaly 30 Day Temperature Anomaly Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts River levels and flows continue to run below normal for the first part of September. River levels across north-central WI were so low that hydroelectric operations were being impacted. Agricultural Impacts Local farmers indicated that the corn, soybean and oat crops were extremely stressed by the dry conditions. Fire Hazard Impacts The Significant Wildland Fire Potential is above normal across northern WI. The continued dry weather has brought a little higher potential for fires despite “green up”. If drier than normal conditions continue this fall, there would be an increased risk of fires especially on mild, windy days after a frost or freeze into early winter until a snowpack arrives. 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 Sturgeon 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 dry soil moistures across the north. Recent spotty t-storms has kept the Crop Moisture Index near normal in some sections of central into northeast WI. Moisture in this area can be highly variable depending if locations received heavy rain from thunderstorms. 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 majority of the rainfall in this graphic occurred on September 4th with another round of storms on Tuesday, September 8th. 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 September. There is a greater chance for above normal temperatures in September. 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 fall is for drought to persist. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook