View weather and climate conditions this week in Wisconsin
Here are this week’s take home points about the weather, scroll down for the full report:
Current Conditions
- February was a slightly colder-than-normal month, aided by an Arctic blast that impacted the state the week of February 17.
- February has been drier-than-normal, in terms of both precipitation (rain+melted snow) and snowfall.
- As of the end of February, snow cover across the state is limited to the Northwoods (which is quickly melting).
Impact
•Soil moisture estimates in the south are drier than normal due in part to minimal precip over the past several months.
- Closer to normal or above normal percentiles in the central and northwest.
- End-of-Feb precip + snowmelt may help alleviate some dryness; frost is preventing deep moisture infiltration.
•USDM drought severity coverage increased from last month, mainly in S WI.
•Soil frost depth goes down more than 2 feet across central & northern WI, and slightly shallower for some in southeast WI. Wisconet soil temp measurements at 20” depth are starting to creep above freezing in areas.
Outlook
•Statewide chances for 7-day precip; more so for S & EC WI. Potential for impactful wintry mix Tue-Wed.
•Temperature probabilities for the beginning of March are leaning near-to-above normal, with near-normal precip for most with the potential for above normal in E WI.
•March as a whole and the rest of spring are more uncertain for temperatures with a lean towards above normal precip.
Agronomic Considerations
Field Work and Conditions
•Deeply frozen soils are currently unlikely to delay planting.
•Drier soils may allow for earlier access to fields, pending additional precipitation.
•Thawed, moist soils on top of frozen soils can lend themselves to compaction and rutting, be cautious about trafficking in fields.
•Avoid fertilizer applications in wet conditions, especially with nitrogen as fertilizer loss is greater under wet conditions.
•Current temperature cycles could lend themselves to frost seeding in pastures or winter wheat. See resources here, here, and here.
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.
Livestock Considerations
•Keep livestock out of critical and sensitive areas with soft, muddy ground, see this article on the value of keeping cattle clean.
•Regulate body temperature and wetness of calves. Make sure dry bedding (e.g., hay, grass) is available to keep calves dry.
