Weather and climate conditions this week in Wisconsin
Here are this month’s take-home points about the weather. Scroll down for the full downloadable report.
Current Wisconsin weather and climate conditions
- It was a quiet week for precipitation in WI, with most of the state receiving less than a half inch.
- Cooler-than-normal conditions were common across the state last week, especially in the south. The northwest was above average.
Impact
- Soil moisture conditions remain driest in the south where 2025 precip totals are well below normal.
- >95% of the state is drought-free, with almost all the remaining D1 coverage in the SW.
- Oat and potato planting is underway (<10% complete), with most of the winter wheat crop (88%) rated in fair to good condition (Source: NASS).
- Wildfire risk is high to very high in the south and east; very high wildfire risk in the southern 1/3 of the state.
- Wisconet soil temperature readings down to 20” depth are at or above freezing statewide. Frost continues to thaw.
Outlook for Wisconsin weather and climate
- Statewide precip chances over the next week, with predictions of 1” or more for most. Chances are highest in the southwest counties.
- As we head into late April, temperature and precipitation probabilities are leaning towards above normal.
- April as a whole looks more uncertain for temperatures and precip with equal chances for above, near, or below normal.
Agronomic considerations
- Field Work and Conditions
- Soil temperatures to 4″ still cool, ensure temps are reaching 50°F at a minimum before planting. See Wisconet. Also note upcoming insurance dates.
- Avoid trafficking fields in moist conditions to prevent compaction and rutting. Conditions have been dry but upcoming rain may change conditions.
- Consider preplant nitrate tests to assess nitrate levels before fertilizing.
- Avoid fertilizer applications in wet and cool conditions. Nitrogen loss is greater in wet conditions.
- In drier regions of the state, consider earlier termination of cover crops to retain soil moisture if conditions remain dry.
- Manure Applications
- Reminder of Wisconsin’s NR 151 Runoff Rules with the timing of manure spreading and current runoff levels. Check DATCP Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast.
- Pest Management
- Start scouting fields by foot to note any early emerging weeds.
- Ensure temperatures (day, night, and soil) are conducive for herbicide applications. Pre-emergent herbicides require moisture for activation.
- Forage Management
- Check existing alfalfa fields for signs of winterkill (Evaluating stands).
- New alfalfa seedings can germinate at 32-34°F but temperatures below 24°F will cause death. Plan accordingly for new seedings this spring.
- Small Grains
- Assess winter grain stands and fertility needs. Reports of winterkill have been reported in Central Wisconsin and north.
- There is still potential for early planting of spring grains but be aware of continuing possibility of freeze.
- Specialty crops- Vegetables
- Small scale producers may consider tarping fields with adequate (but not excessive) soil moisture to avoid spring rains for later planting.
- Winter cutworms are active at 40°F – check high tunnel crops (e.g., overwintered hardy greens and direct-seeded spring greens) and early season field transplants (in the southern part of the state) for cutworm damage.
- Consider the timing of cover crop termination to help manage cabbage maggots. Cabbage maggots overwinter in Wisconsin. When the flies emerge, they are attracted to fields with high organic matter. If possible, terminate and incorporate cover crops 2-3 weeks before planting to reduce the attractiveness of these fields as egg laying sites.
- Specialty Crops- Fruit
- Apple growers may consider using Promalin (gibberellin, cytokinin) as a frost rescue between pink and 10mm fruit and should be applied as soon as possible after a frost event.
- Wisconsin fruit growers can reference the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide, which is available for viewing online. Growers may order a hard copy here:
- Tree fruit growers with historic populations of European red mite or rosy apple aphid should begin scouting and may consider using oil between half-inch green and pink.
If you would like to obtain a PowerPoint copy of this report, please email rue.genger@wisc.edu.