Drought Information Statement for Central and Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin Valid December 23, 2024 Issued By: NWS Twin Cities / Chanhassen, MN Contact Information: This product will be updated January 16, 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/MPX/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Drought conditions have stabilized with the onset of winter 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent D1 (Moderate Drought): Most of western Wisconsin, along the I-90 corridor in southern Minnesota, along the South Dakota border in western Minnesota, and portions of central Minnesota D0: (Abnormally Dry): Most of central and southern Minnesota outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area Recent Change in Drought Intensity Little change in drought conditions has been seen since the onset of winter 1-month and 3-month percent of normal precipitation Precipitation Departures It has started to dry out over the last 30 days, but as we approach our dry season, this has resulted in precipitation deficits of generally a half inch or less. For the last 90 days, precipitation deficits remain, though are smaller than what have seen for the last 30 days 1-week and 1-month temperature departure Temperature Departures After a record warm fall, temperatures since the end of November have been running near to a little below normal Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Cold weather in December has resulted in significant buildup of ice on streams and rivers across Minnesota and Wisconsin (USGS Streamflow). Agricultural Impacts We are now out of the growing season. (State USDA Crop Reports). Fire Hazard Impacts Widespread snow cover has finally brought about the usual minimal wildfire hazards we see throughout the winter. (MN Fire Danger, WI Fire Danger). Other Impacts No known additional impacts. Mitigation Actions None Currently in place. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Most of the precipitation over the next week will come Friday into Saturday (December 27th and 28t) and is expected to be rain. This precipitation will help keep the trend of little change to the drought monitor going. January Outlooks The latest weekly to seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There are mixed signals with what temperatures will look like in January, with both cold snaps and thaws looking likely, which may end up balancing each other out The precipitation pattern across the US is expected to take on a La Niña look, with the best chances for above normal precipitation over the northern Rockies and the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage As we approach winter, the lower precipitation amounts we typically see this time of year makes it hard to move the drought needle one way or the other Drought Definitions and State Resources What do those categories mean? Drought Category Definitions: Comprehensive Drought Information for Minnesota: http://www.drought.gov/state/minnesota Comprehensive Drought Information for Wisconsin: http://www.drought.gov/state/wisconsin These sites contain links to resources from each state, to help you dive into drought information in more detail.