Drought Information Statement for Northeast IA, Southeast MN, & Western, WI 
Valid September 17, 2024
Issued By: WFO La Crosse, WI
Contact Information: w-arx.webmaster@noaa.gov
This product will be updated drought conditions are developing 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 Drought (D1) develops south of Interstate 90 
1

U.S. Drought Monitor
Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Upper Midwest


Drought intensity and Extent

D0 (Abnormally Dry) & D1 (Moderate Drought) along and south of Interstate 90.


Recent Change in Drought Intensity

During the past week, there was a 1-category deterioration in the drought across the southern half of the NWS La Crosse, WI Hydrologic Service Area (HSA). This area is either D0 (Abnormally Dry) & D1 (Moderate Drought).


Precipitation

From September 11 through September 17, rainfall totals ranged from no rain to 0.74” near Winona, MN. Normally, around 9/10" of an inch of rain falls during this time frame. 

Since mid-July, areas along and south of Interstate 90 have seen rainfall deficits anywhere from 2 to 6”.

Temperature

During the past week (September 10 to September 16), temperatures ranged from 4°F to 8°F warmer than normal to normal.

During the past month (August 17 through September 16), average temperatures ranged from 1°F 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
There is moderate fire danger in southeast Minnesota and low fire danger elsewhere.

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

From September 11 through September 17, rainfall totals ranged from no rain to 0.74” near Winona, MN. Normally, around 9/10" of an inch of rain falls  during this time frame.  

As of the morning of September 19, rivers and stream flows range from below normal to normal in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and from central to western Wisconsin.

Agricultural Impacts

Since mid-July, soils have been gradually drying.

Fire Hazard Impacts
As of the morning of September 19, 2024, fire danger was moderate (fires spread at moderate rate) fire danger in southeast Minnesota, and low fire danger (fires spread at low rate) elsewhere.
Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center.

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast

From September 20 through September 27, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) is forecasting up to a 1/2” north of St. Ansgar, IA to Black River Falls, WI, and from a 1/2” to 1 1/4” across the remainder of the area. Normal precipitation is around 1” for this time period.

Rapid Onset Drought Outlook

From September 28 through October 4, rapid onset drought (at least a 2-category degradation) is not expected.

Long-Range Outlooks

From October through December, there is enhanced chances for warmer-than-normal temperatures.

Meanwhile, there are equal chances of wetter-, near-, and drier-than-normal.

Drought Outlook

With this drought so short-lived, it is not covered in the seasonal drought outlook.