Drought Information Statement for Central and Northeast Wisconsin Valid December 12, 2024 Issued By: WFO Green Bay, WI Contact Information: nws.greenbay@noaa.gov This product will be updated around January 4, 2025 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 Severe Drought (D2) has ended across far northern Wisconsin. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for [region] Drought intensity and Extent D2 (Severe Drought): None D1 (Moderate Drought): Along and north of a line from Merrill to Antigo to Wausaukee. D0 (Abnormally Dry): A small area south of the Moderate Drought (D1) area, but generally north a Wausau to Wausaukee line. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for [region] Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Improvement: A one category change in the drought class has been noted across much of the area, except over portions of the north. No Change: A few spots across the north have seen little change in the drought monitor class change. Worsening: None. Precipitation Portions of Vilas and Oneida counties have only seen 60 to 100% of normal precipitation over the past several weeks. Precipitation is running 150 to 300% of normal across portions of central into northeast WI. Temperature The 7 day (left image) and the 30 day temperature (right image). After a very warm fall, temperatures over the past week have been running 1 to 4 degrees below normal. The 30 day temperature trend is still being influenced by the every mild November. Temperatures are expected to be above normal this weekend into early next week, with another cool down on Dec 18-19. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Rivers across the area have risen from previous lows in October due to recent soaking rainfall and some snowfall events since late October. Agricultural Impacts There should be minimal impacts to agricultural interest since the main growing season has ended. Recent rainfall and some snow should help the winter wheat crop. Fire Hazard Impacts Recent rainfall and cooler weather has ended the risk of wildfires. 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 River levels are on the rise over the past month and a half due to recent rain and snow. Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 12 11 2024 Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture conditions are showing wetter than normal conditions across central and east-central WI. Drier than normal conditions continue across far north-central Wisconsin. Fire Hazard Impacts The risk of wildland fires is low due to the recent precipitation events since late October. Long term drought continues across the north, but recent rain and snow has reduced the risk of wildfires in December. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Wisconsin Fire Danger Map Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Precipitation amounts over the next week are expected to be on the lighter side, with most places expected to receive under a quarter of an inch of precipitation (rain and melted snow). 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 that only minor changes in drought conditions across north-central and northeast WI. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There are nearly equal chances chances for above, near or below normal temperatures and precipitation during December. Nearly Equal Chances for Above, Below or Near Normal Temps Nearly Equal Chances for Above, Below or Near Normal Precip Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The latest trends in the models appear that drought conditions should improve across northern Wisconsin over the next few months. Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook