Drought Information Statement for NE Minnesota & NW Wisconsin Valid April 12, 2024 Issued By: NWS Duluth, MN Contact Information: This product will be updated April 29, 2024 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/DLH/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Continued wet weather next week may lead to short term improvements in drought conditions, but drought is expected to persist for most of the Northland over the next 1 to 3 months where drought is currently ongoing. U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for the Northland Drought intensity and Extent D2 (Severe Drought): North-central Minnesota around the Brainerd Lakes and Walker, and far eastern Ashland County and much of Iron County in northwest Wisconsin. D1 (Moderate Drought): The Arrowhead, Iron Range and Aitkin County in northeast Minnesota and Bayfield to Sawyer Counties eastward into north-central Wisconsin. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Small area along the International Border in eastern Koochiching and northwestern St. Louis Counties; most of the North Shore; and counties along the WI/MN stateline, including Washburn County. Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: Not Applicable No Change: north-central and most of northeast Minnesota. Most of northwest Wisconsin. Drought Improved: Most of the North Shore. Precipitation Regional precipitation in the past month has been near to above normal. The exception is slightly to below normal precipitation from Cass to Koochiching Counties. Little to no snowpack remains across the Northland, though soils are still partially saturated from the recent snowmelt. Temperature Temperatures have been generally ±2 degrees from normal for most of the Northland during the past month, coldest across parts of far northern Minnesota and warmest from the Brainerd Lakes into parts of northwest Wisconsin. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Streamflows are generally running normal to below normal around the region. Snowpack has completely melted, with some wet soils as a result and a lingering small response in rivers as a result of the recent snowmelt. Ice out on inland lakes and rivers is occurring about 4-5 weeks ahead of the median ice out date per the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Agricultural Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Fire Hazard Impacts The Significant Wildland Fire Potential remains above normal for April, while improving to normal for May. Fire danger is moderate to high for most of northeast MN and high for all of northwest WI. Other Impacts A record-low snow winter led to large economic losses for areas that rely on winter tourism to sustain them through their slow seasons. Many winter events, such as ski and sled dog races, and snowmobile events, were canceled. Mitigation Actions None reported. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Northeast Minnesota - Streams are running below normal to much below normal in the Brainerd Lakes Region up to Walker and in the Rainy River Basin, while running near normal north of for the rest of the area. Northwest Wisconsin - All of northwest Wisconsin is running near-normal. Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture is generally around average in the Northland, but areas immediately outside of the region are slightly below normal. Fire Hazard Impacts Below average precipitation and warm temperatures in March are creating persistent elevated fire hazards as shown by the Significant Wildland Fire Potential continuing to be above normal for April, but improving to normal for May as the middle part of April turns wetter. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast A strong low pressure system will lead to a prolonged period of precipitation Monday - Thursday (April 15-18) of next week. Most of this precipitation will be in the form of rain, possibly locally heavy, Monday night through Wednesday. Some accumulating snow is possible Wednesday night - Thursday. Long-Range Outlooks Longer-term forecasts show equal chances for above or below normal precipitation for the remainder of April. Above normal temperatures are strongly favored (50-60% chance) for the rest of April. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Areas that are currently experiencing drought are expected to see drought persist or worsen over the next one to three months.