Drought Information Statement for Northeast IA, Southeast MN, & Western, WI Valid November 12, 2024 Issued By: WFO La Crosse, WI Contact Information: w-arx.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated Thursday, November 21, 2024. 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. Little Change in the Drought Situation Drought intensity and Extent... D0 (Abnormally Dry) conditions exist across much of southwest and central Wisconsin. D1 (Moderate Drought) conditions exist across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and in southern Grant County and northwest Buffalo and northwest Taylor counties in Wisconsin. 1-Week Drought Monitor Class Change... During the past week, there was a 1-category improvement in Dodge County in southeast Minnesota. Precipitation... From August 14 through November 12 (past 90 days), rainfall totals ranged from 3.90" near Oelwein, IA to 11.58" near Prairie du Chien, WI. Rainfall departures ranged from 1" wetter-than-normal to 6" drier than normal. The largest deficits (2 to 6") were west of the Mississippi River. Temperature... During the past week (November 6 to November 12), temperatures ranged from 4°F to 10°F warmer than normal. During the past month (October 13 through November 12), average temperatures ranged from 6°F to 10°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 November 12, fire danger was low (fires are not easily started) in southeast Minnesota, and from southwest into central Wisconsin. Meanwhile, the fire danger was low to moderate (fires start easily and spread at a moderate rate) in northeast Iowa. 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... During the past week (November 6 through November 12), rainfall totals ranged from 0.04" near Oelwein, IA to 1.66" at Mabel, MN. Normally, around 4/10" of an inch of rain falls during this time frame. This heavy rain resulted in a 1-category improvement in Dodge County in southeast Minnesota. As of the morning of November 12, rivers and stream flows were primarily near normal in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and from southwest into central Wisconsin Agricultural Impacts... From July through October, both the top- and sub-soils gradually dried. During the past 2 to 3 weeks, above-normal rainfall has resulted in some improvement in top- and sub-soil moisture. Fire Hazard Impacts... As of the morning of November 12, 2024, fire danger was low (fires are not easily started) in southeast Minnesota, and from southwest into central Wisconsin. Meanwhile, the fire danger was low to moderate (fires start easily and spread at a moderate rate) in northeast Iowa. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. For updated DNR Fire Conditions consult the following Web Sites: Seven Day Precipitation Forecast... From November 14 through November 21, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) is forecasting anywhere from 3/4” to 2 1/2” across the La Crosse Hydrologic Service Area (HSA). The highest totals (1 to 2 1/2”) will be found in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. Normal precipitation is around 1/2” for this time period. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook... From November 22 through November 28, 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 November through January, the Climate Prediction Center has an enhanced chance for warmer than normal (33-40%) in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, and equal chances of warmer-, near-, and colder-than-normal elsewhere in the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Meanwhile, there are equal chances of wetter-, near-, and drier-than-normal. Drought Outlook... The drought is expected to either improve or end by the end of January 2025.