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 cooler than normal across Wisconsin last week, ranging from 1-4°F below normal.
- Northwest Wisconsin was the driest region of the state last week, with most locations receiving less than 0.25”. Elsewhere in the state, totals commonly ranged from 0.5-2”.
- 30-day totals of 1.5” or less were common across the northwest, which was 50% of normal or less.
Impact
- For Wisconet stations included in the chart and table, locations that received over a half inch of rain saw soil moisture levels that were near to or above last week’s levels. Plant available water is at 0 inches at northwestern stations.
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate that severe dryness is common across northwest, north-central, and east-central counties. Southern counties also remain drier than normal.
- Extreme (D3) drought now covers 15% of the state, all in the northwest. However, D1 coverage was reduced thanks in part to elimination in the south-central region.
- Soybean pod-setting is nearly complete, and corn is beginning to move into the dent stage across Wisconsin fields. However, dry conditions are affecting crop conditions, especially in northwestern portions of the state.
Outlook
- There are rain chances in portions of Wisconsin every day from Saturday (8/29) to Thursday (9/3). Rainfall chances are higher in southern counties, particularly in the southeast.
- The outlook for early September indicates that temperatures will likely be warmer than normal (50-60% odds).
- September temperatures are uncertain statewide with equal chances. Precipitation is leaning slightly towards below normal along the northern border.
- Fall temperatures are leaning towards above normal for almost all of Wisconsin. Precipitation is uncertain statewide except for the far northeast (below normal lean).
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 with silage harvest beginning early due to low moisture.
Forage Management
- Fourth crop is being harvested. Use the Alfalfa Cutting Tool to plan your final cut to manage for persistence.
- Read about the impacts of drought on alfalfa if your crop is affected.
- Silage season is quickly approaching with some fields already chopped due to moisture concerns. As dry down events start collecting moisture data, you can view reports using the Corn Silage Dry Down Monitoring Tool.
- If your silage crop has been impacted by drought, read these harvest considerations.
- In areas that are impacted by drought, take caution with annual forages such as sorghum-sudangrass for concerns related to nitrate toxicity.
Pest Management
- Scout fields to note what weed species are part of a late flush or have escaped herbicide application.
- Scout late planted sweet corn for corn earworm. Late season moth migrations have increased.
- Scout for Japanese beetles.
- Corn rootworm adult populations have been lower this year. Scouting to determine pressure will help dictate management strategies for next year.
- If your area has been dry, check the undersides of soybean leaves for spider mites. This pest causes pockets of yellowing and browning of leaves starting on field edges and working inward.
- Learn more about using Disease Forecasting Tools.
- What to know about Southern Rust in Wisconsin this year. Don’t panic!
- 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. Counts remain low.
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
- 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 – General
- It is time to start thinking about fall cover crops. Use the Midwest Cover Crops Council Cover Crop Selection Tool to help decide the best species that fit your goals and planting window.
Vegetable Considerations – Disease and Physiological Disorders
- Brassica alternaria starts as small black lesions that grow in a bullseye pattern as the lesions expand. It is spread through overhead irrigation, windborne spores, and insects such as flea beetles. Management options include avoiding working in fields when wet, management of weeds in the brassica family that serve as alternative hosts (ex: shepherd’s purse and wild mustards), removal of infected plants, and fungicides.
- Cucurbit downy mildew has been confirmed on cucumber in southwest MI. There are currently no reports in WI. 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.
- Continue scouting for powdery mildew. Focus on the underside of leaves and leaves that are shaded. Look for the characteristic white talcum-like colonies. Management includes growing resistant varieties, fungicides, and biologically based products. Michigan State University conducted trials last season on recommendations for both fungicides and biologically based products. Results can be found here
- 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.
- Late blight was detected on potato in southwest MI during the past week. Continue scouting and applying preventative fungicides. Symptoms include large irregular leaf lesions that are not restricted by leaf veins, dark brown lesions on stems, and brown to red to purple discoloration of internal tuber tissue.
- 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.
- 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
- Bacterial canker of tomato has been confirmed on several farms in WI this summer. This disease can be very difficult to control because it is a systemic infection and can easily be spread during pruning, trellising, and harvest. Symptoms include wilting on one side of the plant while the other remains symptom free and raised corky gray to brown lesions on fruit. It can be easily confused with other diseases so it is recommended to send a sample to the disease diagnostic clinic. Management options
- Tomato septoria leaf spot is a common fungal disease. Leaf lesions are circular, tan to grey spots with raised fungal structures known as pycnidia. Stem lesions appear similar but are often darker in color. Fruit lesions are not common except under high levels of disease pressure. Management options include pruning, removing infected plants, and applications of fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil.
Vegetable Considerations – Insects
- Crucifer flea beetles can be a problem on recent transplants. Scouting is recommended every 1-2 days in newly planted fields. Feeding often leads to a shot-gun appearance with circular holes randomly dispersed across the leaf. Management options
- Squash bugs continue to be a problem. Nymphs are the most susceptible life stage for control so be sure to be scouting regularly to be able to target this stage. Eggs generally hatch within 5 to 10 days after being laid. In small plantings, control options include remove eggs with adhesive tape, burning egg masses with a small torch, and cutting out small sections of leaves that have eggs. For larger plantings, there are organic and conventional insecticide options. Be sure to get good canopy penetration for the best control.
- Corn earworm, also known as tomato fruit worm, risk is high across central and northern 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
- Areas in northern WI are experiencing drought conditions that are favorable for two spotted spider mites (TSSM). TSSM feed on solanaceous crops and cucurbits. Symptoms include pale, blotchy spots that give leaves a mottled appearance and visible webbing with heavy infestations. Management options include overhead irrigation, although water early enough in the day to allow leaves to dry, avoiding over applications of nitrogen, and chemical controls.
Dive deeper into each report section by clicking a topic below.
Precipitation Trends
7 Day Precipitation
Image Description ↓
A NOAA radar rainfall estimate map covering Wisconsin and surrounding areas for the 7-day period from August 18, 2026, to August 25, 2026. The legend indicates rainfall amounts ranging from less than 0.01 inches to 20 inches. Most of central and southern Wisconsin, including Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, received between 0.5 and 2 inches of rainfall, shown in shades of green and yellow. Western and northwestern Wisconsin near Eau Claire saw lower totals ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 inches, depicted in light blue and dark blue shades.
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Map showing accumulated precipitation for Wisconsin as a percentage of 1991 to 2020 historical normals for August 19 to August 25, 2026, generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. Northwestern Wisconsin, including areas around Eau Claire, experienced far below-normal precipitation, with large regions rendered in grey, pink, red, and orange corresponding to 0 to 30 percent of normal levels. Central, eastern, and southern regions—including Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay—recorded near-to-above-normal precipitation. These areas are shaded in light green, dark green, and blue, representing 90 to over 200 percent of normal precipitation during the seven-day period.
- Northwest Wisconsin was the driest region of the state last week, with most locations receiving less than 0.25” (≤30% of normal).
- Elsewhere in the state, totals commonly ranged from 0.5-2”.
- Localized pockets of 2-4” were noted in central, southeast, and north-central counties (≥200% of normal).
- Highest Wisconet station total from last week: 1.70” (Grafton, Ozaukee County). Totals in Ozaukee County were as high as 200-300% of normal.
30 Day Precipitation Total and Departure from Normals
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A Midwestern Regional Climate Center map illustrating accumulated total precipitation in inches across Wisconsin from July 26, 2026, to August 24, 2026. The northern region, near Eau Claire, experienced lower rainfall between 0.25 and 1.5 inches shown in yellow and light green. Central and southern parts of the state, including Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, received higher rainfall totaling between 2.5 and 8 inches, rendered in dark green, dark blue, light blue, and small patches of purple. Data sourced from PRISM Weather Data, generated August 25, 2026.
Image Description ↓
A Midwestern Regional Climate Center precipitation map showing accumulated precipitation as a percent of 1991 to 2020 normals for Wisconsin between July 26, 2026, and August 24, 2026. The north and northwest areas, including Eau Claire, show significantly below-normal precipitation ranging from 5 percent to 50 percent of normal, highlighted in red and orange. The central and southern regions, including Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, show normal to above-normal precipitation, ranging from 90 percent to over 200 percent of normal, depicted in shades of green and blue. The map is based on PRISM Weather Data and NCEI Normals generated on August 25, 2026.
- Southeast counties have been the wettest over the past 30 days, with totals ranging from 5-8” for most, with localized areas with over 8”. These totals were 125-300% of normal.
- Totals across southern Wisconsin were at or above normal for most locations.
- Further north and west, totals were much less. Totals of 1.5” or less were common, which was 50% of normal or less.
90 Day Precipitation Total and Percent of Normals
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A map from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center showing total accumulated precipitation in inches across Wisconsin for the 90-day period from May 27, 2026, to August 24, 2026. Total rainfall across the state ranges from 5 to 20 inches. Northern Wisconsin and the far south experienced rainfall between 5 and 10 inches depicted in medium to dark blue. Central and southwestern regions, including areas near Eau Claire, Madison, and Milwaukee, saw totals reaching 10 to 15 inches shown in light blue, with localized areas receiving 15 to 20 inches shown in light purple. Sourced from PRISM Weather Data on August 25, 2026.
Image Description ↓
A 90-day climate map from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center displaying accumulated precipitation as a percent of 1991 to 2020 normals for Wisconsin from May 27, 2026, to August 24, 2026. The entire northern half of the state, including Eau Claire, received below-normal precipitation between 30 percent and 75 percent, shaded in orange and yellow. Southern and central portions, including Madison and Green Bay, ranged from 75 percent to 150 percent of normal precipitation, shaded in light to dark green. Source data is PRISM Weather Data and NCEI Normals generated on August 25, 2026.
- Totals were highest in the southwest and southern counties (12.5-20”). These totals were near to normal.
- Totals across most of Wisconsin were below normal, with totals commonly between 50-90% of normal.
- Northern counties were the driest, with most locations receiving totals that were at or below 50% of normal.
2026 Precipitation
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A Midwestern Regional Climate Center map showing total year-to-date accumulated precipitation in inches across Wisconsin from January 1, 2026, through August 24, 2026. Northern areas near Eau Claire recorded the lowest totals between 14 and 22 inches, shown in yellow and light green. Central and southern areas, including Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, recorded higher precipitation levels between 24 and 34 inches, displayed in green, dark green, and dark blue, with localized pockets in the southwest exceeding 34 inches in purple. PRISM Weather Data generated August 25, 2026.
Image Description ↓
A Midwestern Regional Climate Center map displaying year-to-date accumulated precipitation departure from 1991 to 2020 normals in inches from January 1, 2026, to August 24, 2026. Northern Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, displays a precipitation deficit between minus 4 and minus 12 inches below normal, rendered in shades of orange and red. Central and southern regions, including Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, show a surplus ranging from 0 to 10 inches above normal, depicted in green and blue. Data provided by PRISM Weather Data on August 25, 2026.
Soil Moisture and Temperature Trends
Soil Moisture Models
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A map of Wisconsin showing soil moisture percentiles at 0 to 100 cm depth as of August 24, 2026, published by Drought.gov. Dark red covers the vast majority of northern, western, and central Wisconsin, indicating soil moisture within the 0 to 2 percentile range. Yellow, orange, and light grey areas are restricted to portions of central and southern Wisconsin, reflecting percentiles between 5 and 70.
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A map of Wisconsin showing soil moisture percentiles at 0 to 100 cm depth as of August 17, 2026, published by Drought.gov. Dark red and bright red shading covers northern and central Wisconsin, indicating extremely dry conditions in the 0 to 5 percentile range. Orange and yellow shading across central and southern Wisconsin indicates moisture levels between the 5th and 30th percentiles, with lighter grey and yellow shades near the southern border indicating up to the 70th percentile.
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate that severe dryness is common across northwest, north-central, and east-central counties.
- Southern counties are drier-than-normal as well, but do not show the same level of dryness as counties further north.
- 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
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A map of Wisconsin featuring Wisconet station data points for plant available water measured at a depth of 4 inches. Circular station markers are color-coded from dark brown for 0.00 to 0.12 inches up to deep blue for greater than 1.42 inches. A majority of stations across northern, central, and western Wisconsin display dark brown markers ranging from 0.00 to 0.13 inches, indicating low moisture. Scattered stations in southern and eastern parts of the state display blue markers with values around 0.62 to 1.03 inches.
Image Description ↓
A map of Wisconsin displaying Wisconet station data points for plant available water measured at an 8-inch depth. Stations are represented by circular icons using a color scale from dark brown (0.00 to 0.20 inches) to deep blue (greater than 2.36 inches). Most northern and western stations display low moisture readings shaded in dark brown between 0.00 and 0.30 inches. Higher values shaded in light blue and dark blue are concentrated in southern and east-central Wisconsin, reaching values up to 2.14 inches.
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A map of Wisconsin showing Wisconet station measurements for plant available water at a 20-inch soil depth. Colored circles indicate moisture levels ranging from dark brown (0.00 to 0.39 inches) up to dark blue (greater than 5.91 inches). Station values in northern and western regions predominantly fall in the 0.00 to 0.83 inch range with dark brown symbols. Southern and central stations exhibit higher readings depicted in blue tones, such as 4.34 inches near Madison and 5.17 inches in central Wisconsin.
- For Wisconet stations included in the chart and table, changes in soil moisture were a mixed bag. Locations that received over a half inch of rain saw soil moisture levels that were near to or above last week’s levels.
- Stations included in the chart and table that are currently in D1 drought are Hancock (Waushara), Marshfield (Marathon), Osseo (Trempealeau), Suring (Oconto), and Brillion (Calumet).
- Stations included in the chart and table that are currently in D2 drought are River Falls (Pierce) and Rice Lake (Barron). Plant available water (down to 8 inches deep) is at 0 inches at these stations.
- The maps (above) show the daily average Wisconet plant available water (inches) on August 24th.
- The table (below) shows total precipitation and changes in plant available water from August 17th (Start) to August 24th (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 | 1.22 | 0.72 | 0.79 | 1.50 | 1.57 | 3.82 | 3.89 |
| Brillion | Calumet | 0.68 | 0.06 | 0.16 | 0.26 | 0.37 | 1.71 | 1.77 |
| Hancock | Waushara | 1.39 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.09 | 0.00 | 0.23 |
| Lancaster | Grant | 1.28 | 0.81 | 0.91 | 1.70 | 1.91 | 4.80 | 5.01 |
| Marshfield | Marathon | 1.58 | 0.86 | 1.03 | 1.98 | 2.14 | 5.01 | 5.17 |
| Osseo | Trempealeau | 0.00 | 0.43 | 0.14 | 1.00 | 0.61 | 3.36 | 3.10 |
| Porter | Rock | 1.09 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 1.99 | 1.99 | 4.87 | 4.87 |
| Rice Lake | Barron | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.03 | 0.83 |
| River Falls | Pierce | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Suring | Oconto | 0.32 | 0.12 | 0.02 | 0.24 | 0.02 | 0.24 | 0.02 |
| Walworth | Walworth | 1.35 | 0.99 | 0.97 | 1.95 | 1.95 | 4.97 | 4.97 |
| Wisconet Station | Current 4″ Soil Moisture | Last Week’s 4″ Soil Moisture | 1 Month Ago 4″ Soil Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | 0.79 | 0.72 | 0.13 |
| Brillion | 0.16 | 0.06 | 0.06 |
| Hancock | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Lancaster | 0.91 | 0.81 | 0.69 |
| Marshfield | 1.03 | 0.86 | 0.46 |
| Osseo | 0.14 | 0.43 | 0.65 |
| Porter | 0.99 | 0.99 | 0.34 |
| Rice Lake | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.18 |
| River Falls | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Suring | 0.02 | 0.12 | 0.00 |
| Walworth | 0.97 | 0.99 | 0.04 |
USDA Soil Moisture Reports
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A thematic map of the contiguous United States showing the percentage of topsoil moisture rated adequate by state for the week ending August 23, 2026. Data displays the percent adequate along with weekly change in brackets. High adequate percentages include Rhode Island at 100 percent (0), Connecticut at 95 percent (+2), New York at 87 percent (+8), and California at 85 percent (0). Low adequate percentages occur in New Mexico at 10 percent (-5), Texas at 13 percent (-3), Vermont at 13 percent (-12), and Wyoming at 14 percent (+1). The national total across 48 states averages 45 percent adequate, showing no overall change from the previous week.
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A thematic map of the contiguous United States showing the percentage of subsoil moisture rated adequate by state for the week ending August 23, 2026. Data shows the percent adequate as the main number and the weekly change in brackets. Higher values appear in New York at 91 percent (+1), Vermont at 93 percent (-3), and California at 85 percent (0). Lower values are seen in Wyoming at 18 percent (+2), New Mexico at 15 percent (-7), Texas at 18 percent (-9), and Montana at 14 percent (+1). The 48-state national average is 44 percent adequate, down 1 percent from the previous week.
- 58% and 63% of agricultural soils in the state are reported as having adequate topsoil and subsoil moisture. These values decreased from last week’s report.
- 41% and 36% 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
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A map of Wisconsin showing station data for 4-inch soil temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit from the Wisconet network. All monitoring stations across the state are highlighted with yellow and green circular markers corresponding to temperatures in the 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit range and 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit range. Specific readings include 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit near Madison, 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit near Green Bay, 66.6 degrees Fahrenheit near Eau Claire, and 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit near Ashland.
Image Description ↓
A map of Wisconsin displaying station data for 8-inch soil temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit from the Wisconet network. Individual stations are marked with light green and yellow circles representing values between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature values include 69.6 degrees Fahrenheit near Madison, 67.3 degrees Fahrenheit near Green Bay, 62.8 degrees Fahrenheit near Eau Claire, and 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit near Ashland.
Image Description ↓
A map of Wisconsin displaying station data for soil temperature at a 20-inch depth in degrees Fahrenheit from the Wisconet network. Individual stations across the state are highlighted with yellow and green circular markers indicating temperatures between 59.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 74.7 degrees Fahrenheit, falling within the 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit range (light green) and 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit range (yellow). Representative station values include 68.9 degrees Fahrenheit near Madison, 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit near Green Bay, 63.0 degrees Fahrenheit near Eau Claire, 68.5 degrees Fahrenheit near Milwaukee, and 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit near Ashland.
- The maps show daily average Wisconet soil temperature conditions on August 24th.
U.S. Drought Monitor
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Map illustrating drought severity categories across the Midwestern United States, accompanied by a statistical table showing percentage coverage. The map highlights extreme drought (D3, red) concentrated in northern Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota, surrounded by severe drought (D2, orange) and moderate drought (D1, tan). Southern and eastern parts of the region show abnormally dry (D0, yellow) or no drought conditions (white). The table indicates that 57.07 percent of the Midwest has no drought, 42.93 percent is abnormally dry or worse (D0-D4), 26.75 percent experiences moderate to extreme drought (D1-D4), 13.78 percent is in severe to extreme drought (D2-D4), and 2.32 percent is in extreme drought (D3-D4).
Compared to last week:
- Drought coverage increased by just over 1% from last week. D2-D4 (severe to exceptional drought) coverage increased by 3%. Coverage and/or severity increased across portions of MN, WI, and MO.
- 73.2% of the Midwest region is drought free (~26.8% in D1-D4).
Image Description ↓
Map depicting changes in drought classification across Wisconsin over a one-week period ending August 25, 2026. The majority of central, eastern, and southern Wisconsin shows no change, rendered in grey. Bands of yellow across northwestern, northern, central, and southwestern Wisconsin indicate a 1-class degradation in drought conditions. Small light-green bands in south-central Wisconsin reflect a 1-class improvement.
- Severe and extreme drought categories increased in coverage area from last week. Extreme (D3) drought now covers 15% of the state, all in the northwest. However, D1 coverage was reduced thanks in part to elimination in the south-central region.
Image Description ↓
Map detailing drought intensity across Wisconsin counties for the week of August 25, 2026, with an accompanying data summary table. Far northern Wisconsin is in extreme drought (D3, red), covering 14.94 percent of the state. Northern and central counties show severe drought (D2, orange) covering 42.79 percent, while central to southern areas experience moderate drought (D1, tan) covering 70.40 percent total. Southernmost counties are abnormally dry (D0, yellow) covering 93.69 percent of the state overall, leaving only 6.31 percent of Wisconsin with no drought.
U.S. Drought Monitor Time Series
Image Description ↓
Line chart showing the percentage of Wisconsin land area affected by various drought intensity levels from April 28, 2026, to August 25, 2026. Conditions remained near zero percent until mid-May, followed by a sharp rise in abnormally dry conditions (D0-D4, yellow line) to around 90 percent by early June. Moderate drought (D1-D4, tan line) peaked near 40 percent in late July before climbing to 70 percent in late August. Severe drought (D2-D4, orange line) rose sharply through August to over 40 percent. Extreme drought (D3-D4, red line) emerged in mid-August and reached nearly 15 percent by August 25. Exceptional drought (D4, dark red line) remained at zero percent throughout the period.
- D0 coverage = 93.7%; D1 coverage = 70.4%; D2 coverage = 42.8%; D3 coverage = 14.9%
Temperature Trends
7 Day Temperatures
Image Description ↓
A map of Wisconsin displaying average temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit for the period of August 18, 2026, to August 24, 2026, generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center using PRISM Weather Data. The majority of the state is colored yellow, indicating average temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Small regions in the far north feature light green shading representing temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Major labeled cities include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Image Description ↓
A map of Wisconsin displaying temperature departures from 1991 to 2020 normals for August 18, 2026, through August 24, 2026, generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center using PRISM Weather Data. Most of the state is shaded in shades of green, representing temperatures -5 to -1 degrees Fahrenheit below normal. Small isolated white areas indicate temperatures around 0 degrees, while a tiny region on the northern border shows brown shades indicating +1 to +2 degrees above normal. Major labeled locations include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
- Average temperatures were 65-70°F across southern and central Wisconsin. Further north, temperatures were in the low-to-mid 60s.
- Temperatures were cooler than normal across Wisconsin last week, ranging from 1-4°F below normal.
30 Day Temperatures
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A map of Wisconsin displaying average temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit for the 30-day period from July 26, 2026, to August 24, 2026, generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center using PRISM Weather Data. The map features widespread light yellow and gold shading across the state, corresponding to average temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with slightly cooler values around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in northern regions. Major labeled cities include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Image Description ↓
A map of Wisconsin displaying average temperature departures from 1991 to 2020 normals for the 30-day period from July 26, 2026, to August 24, 2026, generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center using PRISM Weather Data. Most of the state is shaded in tan and light orange, representing temperatures between +1 and +3 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Scattered white regions represent temperatures between -1 and +1 degrees Fahrenheit. Major labeled cities include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F)
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A map of Wisconsin displaying accumulated growing degree days base 50 degrees Fahrenheit from May 01, 2026, through August 24, 2026, generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center using PRISM Weather Data. A color gradient spans from purple in the north (around 1300 GDD) through blue, green, yellow, and orange/red in the south (up to 2360 GDD). Northern areas near Lake Superior show the lowest values, while southern regions around Madison and Milwaukee show the highest heat accumulation. Major labeled cities include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
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A map of Wisconsin displaying accumulated growing degree days base 50 degrees Fahrenheit from May 15, 2026, through August 24, 2026, generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center using PRISM Weather Data. A continuous color scale shows heat accumulation ranging from purple and blue in northern Wisconsin (1300 to 1570 GDD) to green in central regions (1660 to 1840 GDD) and yellow to orange in southern Wisconsin (1930 to 2290 GDD). Major labeled cities include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
- Starting May 1 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 2260 GDD in the far south and west to 1590 GDD in the far north. These values are 105-115% of normal.
- Starting May 15 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 2200 GDD in the far south and west to 1480 GDD in the far north. These values are 110-115% of normal.
Crop Progress and Condition
Crop Progress Report for Corn
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A USDA thematic map of the United States displaying corn conditions by state for August 23, 2026. Top numbers in each state show the percent rated good to excellent, while bottom numbers in brackets show the change from the prior week. High-rated states include Pennsylvania at 91 percent (+2) and Tennessee at 81 percent (+1), while low-rated states include Colorado at 19 percent (-7), North Carolina at 24 percent (0), and North Dakota at 26 percent (-7). The national condition summary lists 57 percent rated good to excellent, which is a decrease of 3 points from the previous week.
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A USDA thematic map of the United States displaying the percentage of corn dented by state as of August 23, 2026. Values indicate the top number as percent dented and the bottom bracketed number as change from the 5-year average. Notable states include Minnesota at 52 percent (+26), Tennessee at 89 percent (+16), Kentucky at 74 percent (+16), and Texas at 80 percent (-2). The overall national progress reports 45 percent of corn dented, which is 4 points above the 5-year average.
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A USDA thematic map of the United States displaying soybean conditions by state for August 23, 2026. Top numbers represent percent good to excellent, and bottom bracketed numbers show the change from the prior week. Iowa is at 77 percent (-1), Illinois at 61 percent (0), Indiana at 58 percent (-3), and North Dakota at 27 percent (-7). The national condition summary shows 60 percent of soybeans rated good to excellent, representing a 1 point decrease from the previous week.
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A USDA thematic map of the United States showing the percentage of soybeans setting pods by state as of August 23, 2026. Top numbers show percent setting pods, and bottom bracketed numbers indicate change from the 5-year average. Highest percentages include Louisiana at 100 percent (+2), Mississippi at 97 percent (+1), Minnesota at 96 percent (+4), and Tennessee at 96 percent (+11). The overall national progress reports 91 percent setting pods, which is 3 points above the 5-year average.
- Wisconsin had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork statewide.
- Soybeans are 91% setting pods.
- Corn is 70% at dough stage and 19% at dent stage.
- Corn and soybean conditions are 65% and 63% good to excellent, respectively. Both values are down from last week’s report. Dry conditions continued to affect crops, especially in northwestern portions of the state.
- Oats are 83% harvested.
- Pasture and range were rated 48% good to excellent, down 3% from last week.
- The third cutting of alfalfa is 92% complete.
- Read the full USDA report.
Forecasts and Outlooks
7 Day Precipitation Forecast
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Map showing predicted precipitation amounts across Wisconsin and neighboring states for August 27 to September 3, 2026. Northern Wisconsin is shaded bright green for 0.1 to 0.25 inches. Central and eastern Wisconsin are dark blue for 0.5 to 0.75 inches, and southern areas around Madison and Milwaukee show light blue to cyan shading indicating 1 to 1.5 inches. Small localized spots near the southern border reach up to 1.75 inches.
- When? – There are rain chances in portions of Wisconsin every day from Saturday (8/29) to Thursday (9/3).
- Where? – Rainfall chances are higher in southern counties, particularly in the southeast.
- Check your local forecast for details on totals and timing.
- Average precip (1991-2020) for this week: 0.88”.
8-14 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
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Map displaying the probability of precipitation deviations across Wisconsin for September 3 to 9, 2026. The entire state of Wisconsin and surrounding areas are shaded in grey, indicating near-normal precipitation conditions across the region.
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Map illustrating the probability of above-normal temperatures across Wisconsin for September 3 to 9, 2026. Almost all of Wisconsin is shaded in light orange, representing a 50 to 60 percent probability of above-normal temperatures. A small strip along the northwest border shows a 40 to 50 percent probability.
- Early September: Temperatures will likely be warmer than normal (50-60% odds), with precipitation leaning towards near normal.
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for September 3-9 are 63.0°F and 0.85”.
30 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
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Map indicating predicted precipitation probabilities across the Upper Midwest for September 1 to 30, 2026. All of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois are unshaded, signifying equal chances or near-normal conditions. The northern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior are shaded light tan, showing a 33 to 40 percent probability of below-normal precipitation.
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Map indicating temperature probabilities across the Upper Midwest for September 1 to 30, 2026. The map features no color shading across Wisconsin and surrounding states, indicating equal chances for above, below, or near-normal temperatures throughout the month.
- September: Temperatures are uncertain statewide with equal chances. Precipitation is leaning slightly towards below normal (33-40% odds) along the northern border.
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for September 1-30 are 59.5°F and 3.59”.
90 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
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NOAA map titled Seasonal Precipitation Outlook, valid for September–October–November 2026 and issued August 20, 2026. Green shaded areas indicate leaning above-normal precipitation across the Great Basin, Intermountain West, Southeast, and interior Alaska. Tan shaded areas indicate leaning below-normal precipitation across the Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest (including northern Michigan), and Northeast. Most of the central and Midwest regions, including Wisconsin, show equal chances of above-, near-, or below-normal precipitation.
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NOAA map titled Seasonal Temperature Outlook, valid for September–October–November 2026 and issued August 20, 2026. Orange and red shading across the western, southern, eastern, and northern U.S., as well as Alaska, indicates leaning to likely above-normal temperatures, with highest probabilities in the Pacific Northwest. A central white area encompassing the Midwest and Ohio Valley (including southern Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky) shows equal chances for above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures.
- Sep-Nov: Temperatures are leaning towards above normal (33-40% odds) for almost all of Wisconsin. Precipitation is uncertain statewide except for the far northeast (below normal lean).
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for Sep-Nov are 46.6°F and 8.59”.
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