Weather and climate conditions this week in Wisconsin
Here are this week’s take-home points about the weather. As a reminder, AgWOW reports will be published weekly throughout the growing season. Scroll down for the full report.
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Key Points
Recent Conditions
- Temperatures were seasonal (within -/+2°F) last week across nearly all of Wisconsin.
- Localized areas in Wisconsin received 1-3” of rainfall last week, but northern Wisconsin was once again dry with totals commonly less than 1”.
- Northwest and north-central counties were the driest over the past 30 days, with totals of less than 1” common.
Impact
- For Wisconet stations included in the chart and table, most saw a decrease in plant available water from last week’s report.
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate that dryness in the top 1 meter worsened in the north-central and northwest counties over the past week.
- Severe (D2) drought coverage expanded in the northwest, with a widespread increase in moderate (D1) drought across central counties.
- Winter wheat harvest is nearing completion in the state, thanks in part to another week with several days that were suitable for fieldwork. However, corn, soybean, and pasture/range conditions continue to decline.
Outlook
- Rain chances over the next seven days are highest in the southwest and west-central counties, but the next seven days look active across most of the state.
- The late August outlook indicates temperatures leaning towards below normal across most of the state. Precipitation leans towards near-normal statewide, except for the northwest (below normal lean).
- The outlook for August indicates uncertainty about temperatures and precipitation across most of Wisconsin. Southern counties have a slightly higher probability of being warmer than normal.
- The outlook for late summer through mid-fall (Aug.-Oct.) indicates a slight leaning towards below normal precipitation. Below normal precipitation is a bit more likely in the far north.
Agronomic, Fruit, and Vegetable Considerations
Field Conditions
- Crop conditions are highly reflective of moisture throughout the state. Pockets of drought-stressed crops are scattered throughout Wisconsin. Check corn pollination status if there are concerns.
Forage Management
- Third crop hay is being harvested in northern areas of the state. Consider using a PEAQ (Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality) stick to estimate relative feed value as you decide when to make each cut.
- Scout for potato leafhopper in alfalfa fields. Watch for hopper burn.
- Read about managing mycotoxins in silage corn mid-season to produce a clean silage crop. Silage season is quickly approaching.
Pest Management
- Scout fields to note what weed species are emerging or have escaped herbicide application.
- Western bean cutworm trapping has begun for the season. Check DATCP trap catches. Scout for egg masses and small larvae on corn. Scout any field that is 90-95% tasseled.
- Scout sweet corn for corn earworm.
- Scout for Japanese beetles.
- Check for silk clipping caused by corn rootworm adults. In general, there is no need to spray adults unless major pollination problems occur.
- Now is the ideal time to scout for soybean aphid by checking the undersides of the newest trifoliates.
- Tar spot has been located in Wisconsin. Have a plan if your crop needs fungicide. Learn more about using Disease Forecasting Tools.
- Southern rust has been located on Wisconsin corn. Learn about scouting for this disease.
- Red crown rot was confirmed in WI last year. Know what to scout for in your soybean fields this year.
- Fall armyworm trapping has begun.
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.
Small Grains
- Small grain harvest is underway in Southern WI. Review harvest, storage and nutrient removal topics.
- As you harvest, remember the importance of combine cleaning.
- After small grain harvest is the perfect time to plant cover crops. Review species options.
- If you are planting winter wheat this fall, consider revisiting Small Grains Recommendations and Row Width and Seeding Rates in WI.
Fruit Considerations – General
- Several grape varieties (Frontenac, Marquette) have hit veraison in the last week or so. This may translate to increased bird and disease pressure (sour/bunch rot).
- Sanitation: remove and destroy (chop/compost) fallen fruit ~weekly to prevent any internally developing larvae from reaching maturity, and to limit the spread of disease.
- Apple and grape growers can reference the NEWA weather station network to monitor for disease infection periods in their area. Check out your nearest weather station: NEWA Weather Station Network (Cornell).
- Make sure newly planted fruit crops are getting enough water in this heat. Without irrigation, growth can stall during establishment. Irrigation frequency depends on soil type—sandy soils need water daily or every two days, while heavier soils like silt or clay can be watered less often by applying several days’ worth of water at once.
- Wisconsin fruit growers can reference the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide for a list of registered products and recommended best practices. View the MFPMG Online.
Fruit Considerations – Disease
- Downy mildew foliar symptoms (“oil-stains”) have been observed in a few locations. Scout for pale-yellow lesions on the tops of leaves and white downy growth on the underside of leaves.
- Warm and rainy weather conditions are ideal for bitter rot in apple orchards; see the article on bitter rot management from the July 4 WI Fruit newsletter.
- Black rot fruit symptoms continue to be reported in vineyards around WI. Review this 2022 article by Dr. Leslie Holland on Fruit and Cluster Rots for more information on black rot management.
- Sooty blotch and flyspeck has been observed in Southern WI, pushed along by warm, humid conditions. Continue monitoring NEWA models.
Fruit Considerations – Insects
- Apple growers should continue monitoring degree-day (base 50℉) accumulation for Codling moth. Second generation larvae will typically emerge at ~1250 degree-days (base 50℉) from the biofix date. Ensure to refresh traps/lures and continue monitoring weekly.
- Japanese beetle pressure has lessened in Southern WI, though emergence may continue through September. Review best monitoring and management practices here: Japanese beetle.
- Apple maggot pressure is variable across the state. Growers should continue to use red sphere traps to monitor populations.
- Grape and berry growers monitoring spotted wing drosophila should continue checking and refreshing traps weekly.
- Check out the WI DATCP Orchard Insect Pest Bulletin for more information on current insect trap captures across the state.
- Overview of grape insect/mite monitoring and management: Grape Insects and Mite Pests, 2024 Field Season (Cornell, 2024).
Vegetable Considerations – Disease and Physiological Disorders
- Recent rains mean conditions are conducive for white mold. In beans, symptoms often appear about a week after full bloom as flowers are often the first point of infection. The disease will then spread to pods, leaves, and stems. Cabbage are often infected at the base of the stem or where foliage is in close contact with the ground. Many other crops can also be infected including lettuce, other brassicas, solanaceous crops, and winter squash. Management options include management of alternative host weed species especially ragweed, avoiding damage to crops from people and equipment that make entry points for infection, removing infected plants in high tunnel environments, and fungicides.
- Cucurbit downy mildew has been confirmed on cucumber in northeastern Indiana. Spores from clade 2 which infect cucumber and melons have been detected in MI although there are no confirmed field infections. Cases have been relatively low overall this year, but be on the lookout for symptoms while scouting for other diseases. Symptoms start as angular, vein bound yellow to pale green spots on the upper leaf surface. As the disease progresses, the lesions turn brown and grow together leading to browning of entire leaves. Under humid conditions a dark purplish-grey fuzz may form on the underside of leaves.
- Angular leaf spot can be confused with downy mildew as lesions are tan and vein bound. As the disease progresses, the lesions become white and papery and fall off the leaves causing irregularly shaped holes. Leaf wetness can lead to bacterial ooze, a milky substance, on the underside of leaves. If you need help with id, please send photos or samples to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic.
- Potato early blight has been confirmed in Buffalo County. Continued preventative fungicide applications for early blight in potato are recommended for all fields in WI. Guidance on fungicide options can be found here.
- Preventative fungicide applications are also recommended for late blight in potato production areas with the exception of Arlington and later plantings around Rhinelander.
- Environmental stress including inadequate soil moisture and high temperatures can lead to potato hollow heart and scab. Periods of heat and drought followed by heavy rains can disrupt the developing tuber and lead to the formation of hollow heart, a dark colored internal cavity. Scab thrives under dry soil conditions and causes rough, corky patches on the outside of the tuber. Management options include adequate and timely irrigation, proper levels of nitrogen and calcium, and variety selection.
- Scout table beets for symptoms of Rhizomania including yellowing and wilting of leaves, patchy field decline and hairy roots. This disease was first confirmed in WI in 2025. Disease development is favored by wet soil conditions and moderate temperatures.
- Tomato early blight has been confirmed in Buffalo County. Symptoms first appear on lower leaves and stems as circular brown spots. As lesions expand, they develop the characteristic bulls-eye pattern of concentric rings. The best control measure is prevention. Once symptoms appear, it can be difficult to control. Removing infected plants can help slow the spread. Fungicides must be applied very early, either before disease occurs or at first symptoms, to be effective. More management options
- Tomato yellow shoulder often starts to appear this time of year. Yellow shoulder is a disorder where the area around the stem never ripens and remains green or yellow. This disorder can also impact the ripening of internal tissue. While the cause(s) is not fully understood, it is likely a combination of hot weather, variety selection, and nutrient availability- either too much nitrogen or too little potassium. A foliar test can help determine if an application of potassium is needed. UMN has more guidance on how to foliar test. Samples can be sent to the UW soil and forage lab.
Vegetable Considerations – Insects
- Broad mite feeding damage on peppers causes distorted and twisted leaves and/or corking around the calyx (where the stem attaches to the fruit). These mites can be very hard to detect because of their small size and tendency to hide in growing points. This can lead to a misdiagnosis of a virus or herbicide damage. For a comparison between damage caused by broad mites and spider mites, check out this article from MSU Extension. Remove infected plants to reduce their spread. Other management options include the release of predatory mites and miticides.
- Activity of the second generation of European corn borer adults is high in central WI. Scout for eggs and feeding damage. In tasseling corn, and approximately 90% of the eggs are laid on the two nodes directly above and below the ear (four nodes total). For more information including scouting and management recommendations, read the latest Vegetable Crop Update
- Corn earworm, also known as tomato fruit worm, is starting to arrive in WI. Check the DATCP trap network for counts in your area. Larvae range in color from olive-brown to maroon to black with yellow heads. Id can be tricky as larvae can look similar. This article from Purdue can help with ID. Management options
- Two spotted spider mites are a common pest of high tunnel tomatoes & cucumbers. Scout at least weekly to look for yellowing of lower leaves, webbing, leaf stippling, and bronzing. To detect mites, either use a hand lens to check the backside of leaves for eggs and tiny white, red or yellow mites or shake leaves over white paper. Management options include reducing plant stress by keeping plants adequately irrigated, spraying small infestations off with a jet of water, predatory mites, and chemical control. More information here.
Dive deeper into each report section by clicking a topic below.
Precipitation Trends
7 Day Precipitation


- Localized areas in Wisconsin received 1-3” of rainfall last week, including counties in the southeast, central, and west central regions. These totals were near to above normal.
- Northern Wisconsin received the least amount of precipitation last week, with totals commonly less than 1”. The driest locations received less than 10% of normal rainfall.
- Highest Wisconet station total from last week: 2.78” (Bristol, Kenosha County). Totals in Kenosha County were as high as 200-300% of normal.
30 Day Precipitation Total and Departure from Normals


- The past 30 days have been drier than normal across most of Wisconsin, with rainfall totals that were 75% of normal or less.
- Southeast Wisconsin is at or above normal for the past 30 days, with rainfall totals of 5-8” common.
- Northwest and north-central counties were the driest over the past 30 days, with totals of less than 1” common. Compared to normal, the 30-day totals were 30% or less of normal.
90 Day Precipitation Total and Percent of Normals


Map of Wisconsin displaying accumulated precipitation as a percent of 1991–2020 normal levels from May 13, 2026, to August 10, 2026.
Major cities labeled include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Regional breakdown:
- Northern and Central Wisconsin: Mostly yellow with light orange highlights, indicating near- to below-normal precipitation around 50% to 75% of normal.
- Southern Wisconsin: Light green and green shading near Madison and Milwaukee, indicating near- to slightly above-normal totals between 90% and 150% of normal.
Footer details:
- Source: PRISM Weather Data and NCEI Normals
- Center: Midwestern Regional Climate Center
- Generated on: Tue Aug 11, 2026 10:07:44 EDT
- Totals were highest in the southwest and southern counties (12.5-20”). These totals were near to normal.
- Totals in the southern and central counties were near to normal or slightly above normal. However, the east central counties were a bit drier (50-75% of normal)
- Northern counties were the driest, with most locations receiving totals that were at or below 75% of normal.
2026 Precipitation


Soil Moisture and Temperature Trends
Soil Moisture Models


- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate that dryness in the top 1 meter worsened in the north-central and northwest counties over the past week.
- There are locations in the southwest, southeast, and northeast that have near-normal soil moisture.
- Notes on how to interpret the maps:
- Red areas = top 5 driest in 100 years.
- Dark red areas = top 2 driest in 100 years.
- Dark blue areas = top 2 wettest in 100 years.
Wisconet Soil Moisture



- For Wisconet stations included in the chart and table, most saw a decrease in plant available water from last week’s report.
- The Osseo station (Trempealeau County) saw increased soil moisture from 4” to 20” due to over an inch of rainfall received last week.
- Stations included in the chart and table that are currently in D1 drought are Hancock (Waushara), Marshfield (Marathon), River Falls (Pierce), Rice Lake (Barron), Suring (Oconto), and Brillion (Calumet).
- The maps (above) show the daily average Wisconet plant available water (inches) on August 10th.
- The table (below) shows total precipitation and changes in plant available water from August 3rd (Start) to August 10th (End).
- What is plant available water? To learn more, read this article from UW Extension Ag Water Quality on plant available water. There is also a webinar from UW Extension on soil water management that you can watch.
- Example: Imagine that you have 4 inches of soil in the bottom of a bucket. In that soil, there are 1.5 inches of plant available water. Therefore, if you removed the soil and left only the water available for plant roots to take up, you would have 1.5 inches of water in the bottom of the bucket.
- The wilting point is when plant available water is at 0 inches, and the plant can no longer access water at that depth in the soil.
| Wisconet Station | County | Total Precipitation (in.) | 4″ Start | 4″ End | 8″ Start | 8″ End | 20″ Start | 20″ End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | Columbia | 1.24 | 0.83 | 0.77 | 1.61 | 1.55 | 3.93 | 3.87 |
| Brillion | Calumet | 0.23 | 0.27 | 0.11 | 0.52 | 0.33 | 2.00 | 1.81 |
| Hancock | Waushara | 0.26 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.12 | 0.01 | 0.12 | 0.01 |
| Lancaster | Grant | 0.17 | 1.00 | 0.77 | 2.06 | 1.68 | 5.16 | 4.78 |
| Marshfield | Marathon | 0.91 | 0.22 | 0.21 | 1.22 | 0.98 | 4.25 | 4.01 |
| Osseo | Trempealeau | 1.18 | 0.40 | 0.76 | 1.00 | 1.34 | 3.75 | 4.02 |
| Porter | Rock | 0.70 | 1.00 | 0.92 | 2.00 | 1.92 | 4.88 | 4.80 |
| Rice Lake | Barron | 0.34 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.13 | 0.00 | 1.45 | 1.14 |
| River Falls | Pierce | 0.10 | 0.22 | 0.01 | 0.24 | 0.01 | 0.24 | 0.01 |
| Suring | Oconto | 0.45 | 0.26 | 0.02 | 0.41 | 0.03 | 0.41 | 0.03 |
| Walworth | Walworth | 1.42 | 0.98 | 0.87 | 1.90 | 1.75 | 4.92 | 4.77 |

| Wisconet Station | Current 4″ Soil Moisture | Last Week’s 4″ Soil Moisture | 1 Month Ago 4″ Soil Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | 0.77 | 0.83 | 0.83 |
| Brillion | 0.11 | 0.27 | 0.32 |
| Hancock | 0.00 | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| Lancaster | 0.77 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Marshfield | 0.21 | 0.22 | 1.14 |
| Osseo | 0.76 | 0.40 | 0.66 |
| Porter | 0.92 | 1.00 | 0.65 |
| Rice Lake | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.67 |
| River Falls | 0.01 | 0.22 | 0.41 |
| Suring | 0.02 | 0.26 | 0.02 |
| Walworth | 0.87 | 0.98 | 0.47 |
USDA Soil Moisture Reports


- 63% and 67% of agricultural soils in the state are reported as having adequate topsoil and subsoil moisture. The values decreased from last week’s report.
- 36% and 31% of agricultural soils in the state are reported as having short to very short topsoil and subsoil moisture, respectively. These values increased from last week’s report.
Wisconet Soil Temperature



- The maps show daily average Wisconet soil temperature conditions on August 10th.
U.S. Drought Monitor

Compared to last week:
- D1-D4 drought coverage jumped up by 5%, with 1 class degradation in regions such as central MN, central WI, and central IL.
- 75.3% of the Midwest region is drought free (~24.7% in D1-D4).

- Severe (D2) drought coverage expanded in the northwest, with a widespread increase in moderate (D1) drought across central counties.

- Severe (D2) drought coverage expanded in the northwest, with a widespread increase in moderate (D1) drought across central counties.
U.S. Drought Monitor Time Series

- D0 coverage = 91.1%; D1 coverage = 70.1%; D2 coverage = 15.6%
Temperature Trends
7 Day Temperatures


- Average temperatures were 65-70°F across most of Wisconsin. Further south, temperatures were in the low-to-mid 70s.
- Temperatures were within -/+2°F across nearly all of Wisconsin.
30 Day Temperatures


Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F)


- Starting May 1 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 1950 GDD in the far south and west to 1340 GDD in the far north. These values are 105-115% of normal.
- Starting May 15 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 1890 GDD in the far south and west to 1320 GDD in the far north. These values are 110-120% of normal.
Crop Progress and Condition
Crop Progress Report for Corn




- Wisconsin had 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork statewide, due in part to the continued dryness.
- Soybeans are 93% blooming, with 70% of soybeans setting pods.
- Corn silking is 86% complete, with 34% of corn at dough stage.
- Corn and soybean conditions are 69% and 68% good to excellent, respectively. Both values are down from last week’s report.
- Winter wheat is 85% harvested.
- Oats are 57% harvested.
- Pasture and range were rated 51% good to excellent, down 3% from last week.
- The third cutting of alfalfa is 73% complete.
- Read the full USDA report.
Forecasts and Outlooks
7 Day Precipitation Forecast

- When? – Rainfall chances are highest on Friday (8/14), Saturday (8/15), Tuesday (8/18), and Thursday (8/20).
- Where? – Rainfall chances are highest in the southwest and west-central counties, but the next seven days look active across most of the state.
- Check your local forecast for details on totals and timing.
- Average precip (1991-2020) for this week: 0.89”.
8-14 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook


- Late August: Temperatures are leaning towards below normal across most of the state (33-40% odds). Further north and east, odds lean towards near-normal. Precipitation leans towards near-normal statewide, except for the northwest (33-40% odds for below normal rainfall).
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for August 20-26 are 66.3°F and 0.87”.
30 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook

Image Description ↓
NOAA/NIDIS map from the Climate Prediction Center, dated August 1–31, 2026, covering Wisconsin, Michigan, and neighboring states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota). The map area itself shows no color shading, indicating equal chances of below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal precipitation across the region this month. Three legend bars appear below the map: “Probability of Below-Normal Precipitation” (cream to dark brown, 33%–100%), “Probability of Above-Normal Precipitation” (pale to dark teal, 33%–100%), and “Probability of Near-Normal Precipitation” (light to dark gray, 33%–50%). Source: Climate Prediction Center. Last updated 07/31/26. NOAA, NIDIS, and National Weather Service logos appear in the top right; “Drought.gov” appears in the bottom right.

Image Description ↓
NOAA/NIDIS map titled “Monthly Temperature Outlook for August 1–31, 2026,” covering Wisconsin, Michigan, and surrounding states, sourced from the Climate Prediction Center, last updated 07/31/26. A light-orange band across southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and adjacent areas indicates a 33–40% probability of above-normal temperatures. The remainder of the mapped region, including most of Wisconsin and Michigan, is unshaded (white), indicating equal chances among below-normal, near-normal, and above-normal temperatures. Three color-coded legends appear below the map: “Probability of Below-Normal Temperatures” (light to dark blue, 33%–100%), “Probability of Above-Normal Temperatures” (light to dark orange/red, 33%–100%), and “Probability of Near-Normal Temperatures” (light to dark gray, 33%–50%).
- August: Temperatures and precipitation are uncertain (equal chances) across most of Wisconsin. Southern counties have a slightly higher probability (33-40% odds) of being warmer than normal.
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for August 1-31 are 67.2°F and 3.90”.
90 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook

Image Description ↓
Map titled “Seasonal (3-Month) Precipitation Outlook for August 1-October 31, 2026.” The map shows the Climate Prediction Center’s three-month precipitation outlook for Wisconsin.
A broad tan-shaded area covers most of northern Wisconsin, including areas near Lake Superior and extending across much of the northern half of the state. The shading indicates a 33%-40% probability of below-normal precipitation during the August through October period.
Most of southern Wisconsin is unshaded, indicating equal chances (EC) of below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal precipitation. No areas of Wisconsin are shaded green, indicating there is no forecast signal favoring above-normal precipitation anywhere in the state.

Image Description ↓
Map titled “Seasonal (3-Month) Temperature Outlook for August 1-October 31, 2026.” The map shows the Climate Prediction Center’s three-month temperature outlook for Wisconsin and surrounding states.
Wisconsin is entirely unshaded (white), indicating Equal Chances (EC) of below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal temperatures during the August through October 2026 period. No portion of Wisconsin is shaded blue for below-normal temperatures or orange/red for above-normal temperatures, indicating no strong seasonal temperature signal for the state.
A very small area of light orange shading appears outside Wisconsin near the lower-right edge of the map, indicating increased odds of above-normal temperatures in a region beyond the map’s Wisconsin focus area. This outlook does not affect Wisconsin.
- Aug-Oct: Temperatures are uncertain with equal chances. Precipitation shows a slight lean (33-40% odds) towards below normal precipitation. Below normal precipitation is a bit more likely in the far north (40-50% odds).
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for Aug-Oct are 57.8°F and 10.50”.
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