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.
Additionally, we’re collecting user feedback. Regardless of whether it’s your first time here or if you are a regular user, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Points
Recent Conditions
- Temperatures were 6-8°F above normal for most of the state. Heat indices once again exceeded 100°F during a few days.
- Rainfall totals along the western side of the state ranged from 0.5-2” last week. Elsewhere, totals were commonly at or below 0.25”. Over the past 30 days, most of Wisconsin saw precipitation totals that were 75% of normal or less.
Impact
- Wisconet stations across the state saw decreased soil moisture from last week’s report, following a relatively dry week for most.
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate that conditions have gotten drier compared to last week. Most of Wisconsin has drier-then-normal soils in the top 1 meter.
- D1-D4 coverage increased by nearly 5%, expanding across northern counties. D2 (severe) drought has crept into part of Iron County.
- Winter wheat harvest is well underway in Wisconsin fields thanks to the dry weather. However, the dryness has also resulted in a decrease in corn and soybean conditions just as both crops enter their reproductive phases.
Outlook
- The best chances for rain during the upcoming week are on Saturday (7/25), Sunday (7/26), and Wednesday (7/29).
- The July-August transition outlook shows temperatures leaning towards near normal for most of the state, with precipitation leaning towards below normal statewide.
- The outlook for August indicates uncertainty about temperatures and precipitation with equal chances for above, near, or below normal conditions.
- Late summer through mid-fall (Aug.-Oct.) indicate 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).
Agronomic, Fruit and Vegetable Considerations
Field Conditions
- A majority of the state is dry. Crop pollination is a critical time for moisture. Much of the corn in the southern half of WI is beginning to tassel.
Forage Management
- Second crop and third crop hay is being harvested depending on area in 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.
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.
- Japanese beetles are starting to emerge. Homeowners have noted larger populations in lawns and gardens this year.
- Corn rootworm larvae are feeding on corn roots now. Conduct a root dig to assess damage. Northern and Western rootworm adults are present in the southern and central regions of the state. Check for silk clipping.
- Start scouting 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 not been located on Wisconsin corn, but now is the time to scout.
- Red crown rot was confirmed in WI last year. Know what to scout for in your soybean fields this year.
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.
Fruit Considerations- General
- 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
- Black rot fruit symptoms have been reported in vineyards around WI. Review this 2022 article by Dr. Leslie Holland on Fruit and Cluster Rots for more information on black rot and fruit rot management.
- Warm and rainy weather have also brought early reports of bitter rot in some orchards; see the article on bitter rot management from the July 4 WI Fruit newsletter.
- 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 have been observed in Southern WI. Review best monitoring and management practices here: Japanese beetle.
- Apple maggot was captured in southern WI. Growers can use red sphere traps to monitor populations and establish a biofix date.
- 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
- There are no confirmed cases of cucurbit downy mildew in the Midwest. However, there have been pathogenic spores detected in MI and downy mildew on cucumbers and cantaloupe were reported in FL, GA, and NC. Therefore, there is some risk to cucumber and melon in WI. Monitor disease forecast here.
- Phytophthora crown and fruit rot can infect cucurbits, solanaceous crops (tomato, eggplant, pepper), and to a lesser extent legumes. It causes irregular brown spots on leaves. On vines, lesions are dark and water soaked and can girdle the stem causing wilt and plant collapse. Fruit most often rots on the underside in contact with the ground. Controls options include mulching with straw to prevent splash, disinfecting tools, destroying infected debris and fungicides. Phytophthora is known for developing resistance so rotate modes of action.
- Preventative fungicide applications for early blight in potato are recommended for fields south of Rhinelander. Preventative measures allow for the most successful management.
- Preventative fungicide applications for late blight of potato are recommended for most potato production areas with the exception of Arlington and northern-most later season plantings. Check disease severity values for your area to help with management decisions.
- As potato canopies close, about 70-100% bloom, conditions favorable for white mold development increase. Fungicides are the primary control measure. The first application should occur when plants reach bloom stage or the canopy closes. More information on fungicide options can be found here.
- Bacterial spot symptoms can occur on leaves, stems and fruit. Lesions on tomato leaves are brown, circular spots with yellow halos. The center of the lesion often falls out leaving a hole. On pepper leaves, the lesions do not have a yellow halo and the centers do not fall out. Symptoms on fruit are brown raised spots. On tomato fruit they often have a waxy white halo. Management options include planting resistant varieties, avoiding overhead irrigation if possible, staying out of wet fields, working in residue at the end of the season and pesticides.
- Septoria leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes tan to grey lesions with dark spots. When small, the lesions resemble bacterial spot. Look for the presence of dark, raised fungal bodies inside the lesion indicative of Septoria, and when in doubt send a sample in to disease diagnostic clinic. Preventative applications of fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil can be useful in areas with chronic Septoria infections. Other management strategies include pruning and trellising to improve air flow and controlling alternative weed hosts including nightshade and jimsonweed.
- Tomato early blight 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
- Tar spot has now been confirmed in southern WI. Scout crops regularly to look for small raised black spots on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces that typically start in the lower canopy before spreading to newer growth. Management options include managing residue to reduce overwintering, growing cultivars that are less susceptible, and fungicides. Use the crop risk assessment tool to determine when to time protective sprays.
Vegetable Considerations- Insects
- Potato leafhopper populations are increasing in southern WI as the next alfalfa crop is cut. Both larvae and adults feed on susceptible crops (beans, eggplant, potatoes, strawberries). The first signs are leaf veins turning pale and leaf curling. As feeding continues, leaves will have the characteristic hopper burn or browning of leaf tips. Management options
- Continue scouting for potato colonizing aphids (green peach aphids and potato aphids) as risk is high or very high north of Madison. It is particularly important to be proactive about insecticide programs to limit the establishment of these early populations once their presence has been confirmed in your fields. Scouting and insecticide recommendations
- Cabbage looper risk is high in southern, central, and western WI. Scout for single white eggs and larvae on the underside of lower leaves. Loopers can burrow several layers into cabbage heads so look for frass (droppings to indicate their presence).
- Continue scouting for squash bugs. Orange to brown colored eggs are laid in clusters on the underside of leaves. Chemical control is most effective when applied at egg hatch, so early detection is key for the best management. In small plantings, crush eggs and trap adults by placing newspaper or cardboard on the soil surface. At night, they will congregate underneath and can be killed in the morning.
- The second generation of adult Colorado potato beetles are now active in southern and central WI. If control of the 1st generation was successful, the 2nd generation population may be low or slow to appear. If this is the case, new insecticide applications should be delayed until new defoliation reaches 3-5%. In depth management info
- Western bean cutworms are active in WI. View trap catches for your area on the DATCP trap network map. Scout for egg masses on the upper surfaces of new leaves and unfurled leaves above and below the ear zone. Management options
- 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
Dive deeper into each report section by clicking a topic below.
Precipitation Trends
7 Day Precipitation
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin and surrounding areas (Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Lake Michigan) showing NOAA radar-estimated rainfall totals for July 14–21, 2026. A color scale ranges from white/light blue (less than 0.01 to 0.1 inches) through green and yellow (0.5 to 3 inches) to dark blue and purple (higher totals, 15–20 inches at the extreme). Southeastern Wisconsin, including Madison and Milwaukee, received the least rainfall, mostly under 0.25 inches, shown in white and pale blue. Central and northern Wisconsin show a mix of moderate totals (0.25 to 1.5 inches, blue and green shades). Areas farther north near Lake Superior and to the west near Minneapolis show higher rainfall totals in green and yellow (1 to 3 inches), with scattered darker blue patches indicating localized heavier rain (up to 0.5 to 1 inch or more). County and state borders are outlined in gray for reference.
Image Description ↓
Map titled “Accumulated Precipitation: Percent of 1991-2020 Normals, July 14, 2026 to July 21, 2026,” credited to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, with data sourced from PRISM Weather Data and NCEI Normals, generated Thu Jul 23, 2026, 11:24:51 EDT.
Color scale (gray to blue) represents rainfall as a percentage of normal: 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, 90, 100, 110, 125, 150, 200, and 300 percent.
Regional pattern: The southeastern third of Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and much of the area around Madison, is shaded gray to pink, indicating 0–5% of normal precipitation (very dry). A band across north-central Wisconsin, including areas near Green Bay, also shows gray and red patches (dry to well below normal). Western and northwestern Wisconsin, including the region around Eau Claire, shows yellow, green, and blue shading indicating near-normal to well-above-normal precipitation (100–300%), with isolated dark blue pockets near Eau Claire showing over 200–300% of normal. The far northwest corner and areas along Lake Michigan’s Door Peninsula show yellow-orange tones (below normal to near normal).
- Rainfall totals across most of the state were at or below 0.25”.
- Along the western side of the state, rainfall totals ranged from 0.5-2”, with pockets of over 2”.
- Some locations in the northeast also received over 0.5”.
- Highest Wisconet station total from last week: 1.82” (Luxemburg, Kewaunee County). Totals in Kewaunee County were as high as 200% of normal.
30 Day Precipitation Total and Departure from Normals
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map titled “Accumulated Precipitation (in), June 21, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” source PRISM Weather Data, generated Tue Jul 21, 2026 11:48:56 EDT, credited to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. Colors range from gray (0 in) through yellow, green, blue, and purple shades up to 15 in. Southwestern Wisconsin, including the area around Madison, shows the heaviest rainfall, in the 6–10 in blue range. Central and northwestern counties near Eau Claire show mostly moderate totals of 1–3 in (light to medium green), with some blue pockets of higher rainfall. Northern Wisconsin shows lighter totals of 0.5–2 in (pale to medium green). Eastern Wisconsin near Green Bay and Milwaukee shows mixed totals, mostly 1–4 in (green), with a small blue patch of higher rainfall around Green Bay. City markers are shown for Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Image Description ↓
Wisconsin map titled “Accumulated Precipitation: Percent of 1991-2020 Normals, June 21, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. Color-coded by percent of normal precipitation on a scale from 0 to 175%. Southwestern Wisconsin, near and south of Eau Claire down toward the Madison area, shows dark green shading indicating 150-175% of normal precipitation (well above average). Central Wisconsin displays mostly yellow and light green tones, indicating roughly 75-100% of normal. Northern and northeastern areas, including near Green Bay, show patches of orange and red, indicating localized deficits (10-25% of normal). Eastern Wisconsin near Milwaukee shows mixed yellow-to-orange shading, roughly 50-75% of normal. Cities labeled on the map: Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee. Data source: PRISM Weather Data and NCEI Normals. Chart generated Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 11:48:37 EDT.
- Most of Wisconsin saw at least 3” of rainfall over the past 30 days. Totals in the southwest corner were highest (6” or more).
- Most of Wisconsin saw precipitation totals that were 75% of normal or less. Some in the north were more in the range of 25-50% of normal.
- Totals in a belt from Vernon to Brown County were at or above normal, with some locations receiving as much as 175% of normal. Portions of the northwest were also above normal.
90 Day Precipitation Total and Percent of Normals
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Choropleth map titled “Accumulated Precipitation (in), April 22, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” source PRISM Weather Data, generated Jul 21, 2026. Most of Wisconsin shows 5–12.5 inches (medium to dark blue shading), with northeastern counties near Green Bay and along Lake Michigan reaching 10–15 inches, including small dark-green pockets over 15 inches near Green Bay and Milwaukee. Southwestern Wisconsin, near the Mississippi River border below Eau Claire, shows notably lower totals of 0.5–3 inches (light blue to pink shading), with a pink area (1–1.5 inches) extending along the border southwest of Madison. Cities labeled: Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee. Color scale ranges from 0 to 20 inches across ten categories.
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map titled “Accumulated Precipitation (in), April 22, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” sourced from PRISM Weather Data via the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, generated Tue Jul 21, 2026 11:49:42 EDT. Color scale ranges from gray (0 in) through yellow, green, and dark green (0.01–5 in), to shades of blue (5–15 in), and pink/magenta (15–20 in). Most of Wisconsin shows 5–10 inches of rainfall (medium to dark blue), with northeastern Wisconsin along Lake Michigan and the Green Bay area showing the highest totals (10–15+ inches, darkest blue, with small dark green patches near 20 inches). A distinct pink/magenta region of lower precipitation (12.5–20 in scale inverted; actual driest area, roughly 3–7 inches) appears in southwestern Wisconsin near the Mississippi River, below Eau Claire. Labeled cities include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, each in moderate blue zones (7.5–10 inches). County boundaries and the Wisconsin River are outlined in gray.
- Totals were highest in the southwest and west-central counties (15-20”). These totals were 100-125% of normal.
- Most of the state received precipitation totals that were at or below normal, with most receiving at least 10” of precipitation (rain plus melted snow).
- Precipitation totals were lowest along the eastern side of the state (5-7.5”). Here, the 90-day totals were around 50% of normal.
2026 Precipitation
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map titled “Accumulated Precipitation (in), January 01, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” sourced from PRISM Weather Data via the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, generated Jul 21, 2026. Color scale ranges from yellow (12 in) through green to blue-purple (32 in). Northern Wisconsin shows lowest totals (14–18 in, yellow-green). Central and southern Wisconsin show higher totals (20–26 in, green to dark green), with a localized wet pocket near south-central Wisconsin (southwest of Madison) reaching 28–32 in (blue to purple). Cities labeled: Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, each near mid-range values (20–24 in).
Image Description ↓
Map titled “Accumulated Precipitation (in): Departure from 1991-2020 Normals, January 01, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” credited to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, with data source PRISM Weather Data, generated Tue Jul 21, 2026 11:46:49 EDT. Color scale ranges from -8 to 12 inches, using dark red/orange for deficits, yellow/light green near normal, green/dark green for surplus, and blue/purple for the largest surpluses. Northern and northwestern Wisconsin show orange-to-red shading indicating precipitation deficits of roughly 2 to 8 inches below normal, with the deepest deficit near the northwestern border. Central Wisconsin, including areas near Eau Claire and extending northeast toward Green Bay, shows blue and light-blue shading indicating surpluses of 6 to 10+ inches, with isolated purple pockets near Green Bay and south-central areas exceeding 10-12 inches above normal. Southern Wisconsin, including Madison and Milwaukee, and much of eastern Wisconsin show green and yellow-green shading indicating near-normal to moderate surplus conditions (0 to 4 inches above normal). City markers are labeled for Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Soil Moisture and Temperature Trends
Soil Moisture Models
Image Description ↓
Map titled “NASA SPoRT-LIS 0–100 cm Soil Moisture Percentile,” covering Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota, and parts of Michigan and Illinois, with Minneapolis, Madison, and Milwaukee labeled. Color scale ranges from dark red (0–2 percentile, driest) through red, orange, tan, and yellow (up to 30th percentile) to gray (30–70, near normal), with a separate blue scale for wetter areas (70–100 percentile). Most of Wisconsin displays yellow and tan shading, indicating low soil moisture percentiles (roughly 10–30th percentile). Pockets of dark red and red, signaling severe dryness (below 5th percentile), appear in far northern Wisconsin near Lake Superior, in southeastern Wisconsin near Milwaukee, and west of Minneapolis. Scattered gray patches near Madison and western Wisconsin indicate near-normal moisture. Source: NASA. Data valid 07/20/26. Logos for NOAA, NIDIS, and NASA appear in the top right; the Drought.gov logo appears in the bottom right.
Image Description ↓
NASA SPoRT-LIS map titled “0–100 cm Soil Moisture Percentile” showing Wisconsin and surrounding region, data valid 07/13/2026. Most of Wisconsin is shaded gray (30–70th percentile, near normal). Southern counties near Madison and areas south/southeast toward Milwaukee show orange and yellow patches (5–20th percentile, indicating drier conditions), with small dark red pockets (below 2nd percentile) near the Lake Michigan shoreline. Western Wisconsin near Minneapolis shows larger orange areas (5–10th percentile). Far northern Wisconsin along Lake Superior shows a small area of dark red/maroon (below 2nd percentile), the driest category on the map. Northeastern and central Wisconsin are mostly gray with scattered yellow patches. The color scale ranges from dark red (0 percentile, driest) through red, orange, tan, yellow, to gray (70th percentile), with a separate blue scale for wetter conditions (70–100th percentile). Source: NASA, via Drought.gov.
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate that conditions have gotten drier compared to last week. Most of Wisconsin has drier-then-normal soils in the top 1 meter.
- Southwestern and west-central counties are indicated as having 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
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing Plant Available Water (4″ depth) values at numerous weather station locations, color-coded by a legend ranging from dark blue (greater than 1.42 inches) through light blue, gray, tan, and dark red (0.00 to 0.12 inches). The large majority of stations across the state, particularly in the north, central, and southeast regions, show dark red circles with values at or near 0.00 inches (ranging roughly 0.00–0.19). A cluster of stations in west-central Wisconsin, near Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and La Crosse, show higher values shaded gray, tan, and light blue, ranging from about 0.44 to 0.88 inches. Two stations are marked “N/A” in light gray. Values are overlaid on a road map showing cities including Duluth, Ashland, Rhinelander, Wausau, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Appleton, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin titled “Plant Available Water, 8″ depth,” showing numbered, color-coded circles at dozens of locations across the state, indicating inches of plant available water. Colors range from dark red (0.00–0.20 inches) through brown and tan tones (0.20–0.98 inches) to light and dark blue (0.98 inches and above), per an 11-category legend at bottom left ranging from “0.00 to 0.20 inches” (dark red) to “greater than 2.36 inches” (dark blue). The majority of readings, especially in central, south-central, and eastern Wisconsin (near Wausau, Stevens Point, Madison, and Milwaukee), fall in the lowest range (0.00–0.20 inches, dark red). Higher readings (1.1–1.8 inches, light blue) appear scattered in northwestern and west-central areas near Eau Claire, Ladysmith, and the Wausau region. A few sites are marked “N/A” in gray. Individual values range from 0.00 to 1.78 inches across roughly 60 mapped points overlaid on a road map with cities including Duluth, Ashland, Rhinelander, Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Milwaukee, Madison, La Crosse, and Eau Claire.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin and surrounding region showing Plant Available Water (20″ depth) as color-coded circles at dozens of locations, titled “Plant Available Water 20″ depth.” Legend ranges from dark blue (greater than 5.91 inches) through light blue, gray, tan, and dark red (0.00 to 0.39 inches), with several locations marked “N/A” in light gray. Values cluster geographically: western and central Wisconsin near Eau Claire, Menomonie, and the Wisconsin Dells area show high readings (3.7–4.8 inches, light-to-medium blue). Northern and northeastern areas near Rhinelander, Wausau, Shawano, and Green Bay show very low readings (0.00–0.33 inches, dark red), interspersed with mid-range tan/gray values (1.2–2.75 inches). Southeastern Wisconsin near Milwaukee and Fond du Lac shows mixed values, from very low (0.03, 0.23) to moderate (2.0–3.6). Isolated N/A markers appear near Ashland, Sturgeon Bay, and south of Madison.
- Wisconet stations across the state saw decreased soil moisture from last week’s report, following a relatively dry week for most.
- Stations included in the chart and table that are currently in D1 drought are Maple (Douglas), Brillion (Calumet), and Porter (Rock).
- The maps (above) show the daily average Wisconet plant available water (inches) on July 20th.
- The table (below) shows total precipitation and changes in plant available water from July 13th (Start) to July 20th (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 | 0.02 | 0.71 | 0.24 | 1.50 | 0.82 | 3.81 | 3.14 |
| Brillion | Calumet | 0.00 | 0.14 | 0.08 | 0.47 | 0.32 | 2.19 | 1.87 |
| Hancock | Waushara | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Lancaster | Grant | 1.09 | 0.85 | 0.53 | 1.81 | 1.26 | 4.91 | 4.36 |
| Maple | Douglas | 0.03 | 0.25 | 0.18 | 0.87 | 0.65 | 3.23 | 3.02 |
| Marshfield | Marathon | 0.03 | 1.10 | 0.65 | 2.22 | 1.77 | 5.25 | 4.80 |
| Osseo | Trempealeau | 1.49 | 0.41 | 0.78 | 1.16 | 1.53 | 4.13 | 4.38 |
| Porter | Rock | 0.69 | 0.51 | 0.44 | 1.29 | 1.00 | 4.15 | 3.73 |
| Rice Lake | Barron | 1.25 | 0.40 | 0.41 | 0.91 | 0.94 | 2.59 | 2.47 |
| Suring | Oconto | 0.33 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Walworth | Walworth | 0.25 | 0.28 | 0.09 | 0.97 | 0.59 | 3.99 | 3.61 |
| Wisconet Station | Current 4″ Soil Moisture | Last Week’s 4″ Soil Moisture | 1 Month Ago 4″ Soil Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | 0.24 | 0.71 | 0.83 |
| Brillion | 0.08 | 0.14 | 0.32 |
| Hancock | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Lancaster | 0.53 | 0.85 | 0.97 |
| Maple | 0.18 | 0.25 | 0.41 |
| Marshfield | 0.65 | 1.10 | 1.14 |
| Osseo | 0.78 | 0.41 | 0.97 |
| Porter | 0.44 | 0.51 | 1.00 |
| Rice Lake | 0.41 | 0.40 | 0.79 |
| Suring | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.47 |
| Walworth | 0.09 | 0.28 | 0.86 |
USDA Soil Moisture Reports
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map of the contiguous United States shading each state by percent topsoil moisture rated “adequate,” with a bracketed number showing the change from the prior week. Color scale ranges from pale yellow (0-9%) to dark green (90-100%).
Selected state values (percent adequate [change from last week]):
Washington 30 [-8], Oregon 25 [-2], California 90 [0], Idaho 46 [-9], Nevada 30 [0], Utah 13 [0], Montana 50 [-1], Wyoming 16 [-1], Colorado 6 [-4], Arizona 37 [-18], New Mexico 23 [+3], North Dakota 52 [-12], South Dakota 34 [-4], Nebraska 30 [-7], Kansas 61 [-3], Oklahoma 45 [+5], Texas 38 [-1], Minnesota 70 [-6], Iowa 63 [-10], Missouri 72 [-2], Arkansas 62 [-3], Louisiana 65 [+9], Wisconsin 75 [-4], Illinois 64 [-9], Michigan 48 [-17], Indiana 71 [+1], Kentucky 80 [+7], Tennessee 73 [+13], Mississippi 61 [+3], Alabama 78 [+3], Ohio 72 [-14], West Virginia 55 [-5], Virginia 37 [-13], North Carolina 47 [+13], South Carolina 35 [+4], Georgia 47 [+2], Florida 60 [+5], Pennsylvania 81 [-2], New York 64 [-17], Vermont 100 [+17], New Hampshire 55 [-40], Maine 67 [+2], Massachusetts 80 [+36], Connecticut/Rhode Island area 100 [+25], New Jersey 69 [+20], Delaware 30 [-3], Maryland 39 [-4].
Summary box: 48-state adequate average is 54%, a change of -5 from last week. Data source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service weekly Crop Progress reports, prepared by USDA Office of the Chief Economist and World Agricultural Outlook Board.
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map of the contiguous 48 states, shaded green (darker = higher percent adequate, per legend: 0–9 through 90–100), showing USDA subsoil moisture rated adequate, with each state labeled with its percent adequate and change from the prior week in brackets.
State values (percent adequate [change from last week]):
Washington 39 [-4], Oregon 27 [-2], California 95 [0], Idaho 56 [-5], Nevada 60 [0], Utah 29 [0], Arizona 37 [-18], Montana 31 [-2], Wyoming 9 [0], Colorado 21 [-5], New Mexico 15 [+8], North Dakota 60 [-5], South Dakota 32 [-7], Nebraska 28 [-6], Kansas 63 [0], Oklahoma 44 [+6], Texas 43 [0], Minnesota 71 [-2], Iowa 65 [-4], Missouri 79 [-4], Arkansas 60 [-4], Louisiana 61 [+3], Wisconsin 75 [-1], Illinois 69 [-4], Kentucky 80 [+6], Tennessee 72 [+11], Mississippi 78 [-3], Alabama 64 [0], Michigan 58 [-10], Indiana 70 [0], Ohio 71 [-15], West Virginia 52 [-3], Virginia 27 [+8], North Carolina 45 [+13], South Carolina 38 [-1], Georgia 42 [+1], Florida 55 [+1], Pennsylvania 76 [-17], New York 75 [+14], Vermont 66 [+22], New Hampshire 100 [+5], Maine 50, Massachusetts 60 [+2], Connecticut/Rhode Island 50 [0], New Jersey 57 [-1], Delaware 18 [+2], Maryland 28 [-5].
Summary box: 48 states, adequate 56%, change from last week -1. Source note: data obtained from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service weekly Crop Progress reports. Prepared by the USDA Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) and World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB).
- 75% of agricultural soils in the state are reported as having adequate topsoil and subsoil moisture. The values decreased from last week’s report.
- 17% and 19% 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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Map of Wisconsin and surrounding region titled “4 in Soil Temperature (°F),” showing color-coded circular markers at monitoring station locations across the state. A legend indicates temperature ranges from “less than 10°F” (dark blue) through “greater than 100°F” (red), in 10-degree increments. Nearly all markers fall in the 65–79°F range (yellow), with a cluster of higher readings (80–85°F, orange) in west-central Wisconsin near Sparta and Wisconsin Dells, plus isolated orange markers near Hastings, MN and Grantsburg, WI. A few cooler readings (65–69°F, yellow-green) appear near Ashland, Bayfield, Merrill, and Neenah/Appleton. Two locations near Superior and north of Wisconsin Dells are marked “N/A” (gray). Numeric temperature values are displayed inside each circle.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin and surrounding areas (Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan border towns) showing 8-inch soil temperature readings (°F) at roughly 70 station points, each marked with a colored circle and numeric value. A legend at bottom left maps colors to 10-degree ranges from “less than 10°F” (blue) through “greater than 100°F” (red). Most readings fall in the 65–80°F range (yellow to gold circles), clustered in central, northern, and eastern Wisconsin (e.g., 65.7 near the Michigan border, 69.1 near Duluth/Hastings area, 73.9 near Appleton, 77.0 near Milwaukee). A small cluster of higher readings (80.1, 82.4, 84.6, 81.3, 76.3) appears in south-central Wisconsin near La Crosse/Sparta. Three stations, located near central Wisconsin and south-central Wisconsin (south of Madison), are marked “N/A” in gray. No readings fall into the 90°F+, 40°F or below, or “less than 10°F” categories shown in the legend.
Image Description ↓
Map titled “20 in Soil Temperature (°F)” plots soil temperature readings at roughly 80 monitoring stations across Wisconsin and bordering areas of Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. Values are color-coded per a legend ranging from “less than 10°F” (dark blue) through “greater than 100°F” (red), though only three ranges appear on this map: yellow (60-70°F), gold (70-80°F), and orange (80-90°F). Most northern stations, including sites near Duluth, Ashland, and Rhinelander, read in the low-to-mid 60s. Central and southern Wisconsin, including areas near Wausau, Stevens Point, Madison, and La Crosse, show a mix of 60s-70s with several stations in the 70s-80s. The two highest readings, 81.1°F and 82.8°F, appear near Sparta in west-central Wisconsin. A cluster of stations in the far south near Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Waukegan read mostly in the 70s. Several stations are marked “N/A” (gray circles) near Wisconsin Dells, Rhinelander area, and Door County.
- The maps show daily average Wisconet soil temperature conditions on July 20th.
U.S. Drought Monitor
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Map of the Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio) color-coded by drought intensity as of July 21, 2026 (released Thursday, July 23, 2026, valid 8 a.m. EDT). Categories: None (white), D0 Abnormally Dry (yellow), D1 Moderate Drought (tan), D2 Severe Drought (orange), D3 Extreme Drought (red), D4 Exceptional Drought (dark red). Most of the region is unaffected (white). Scattered D0 (yellow) patches appear across western and southern Minnesota, western Wisconsin, eastern Iowa, and small areas of Missouri and southern Ohio/Indiana. D1 (tan) areas are concentrated in northern Minnesota, with a small patch in southern Ohio. No D2, D3, or D4 conditions are present.
Accompanying data table, “Drought Conditions (Percent Area),” lists categories None, D0-D4, D1-D4, D2-D4, D3-D4, and D4 across six time periods:
- Current: 66.36% None, 33.64% D0-D4, 12.90% D1-D4, 3.35% D2-D4, 0.00% D3-D4, 0.00% D4
- Last Week (07-14-2026): 69.68%, 30.32%, 10.92%, 2.52%, 0.00%, 0.00%
- 3 Months Ago (04-21-2026): 74.37%, 25.63%, 15.31%, 4.66%, 1.74%, 0.00%
- Start of Calendar Year (01-06-2026): 28.39%, 71.61%, 36.73%, 8.95%, 1.94%, 0.00%
- Start of Water Year (09-30-2025): 34.12%, 65.88%, 34.69%, 10.17%, 0.37%, 0.00%
- One Year Ago (07-22-2025): 88.84%, 11.16%, 4.23%, 0.21%, 0.00%, 0.00%
Author: David Simeral, DRI/WRCC. Source: droughtmonitor.unl.edu. Sponsoring agency logos shown: USDA, NDMC, NOAA, and NASA.
Compared to last week:
- Midwest: D1-D4 coverage increased by 2%, with drought expansion occurring in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Kentucky saw some localized 1 class improvement.
- 87.1% of the Midwest region is drought free (~12.9% in D1-D4).
Image Description ↓
U.S. Drought Monitor map of Wisconsin dated July 21, 2026, released Thursday, July 23, 2026, valid 8 a.m. EDT, authored by David Simeral of DRI/WRCC. The map shows drought categories across the state: none (white), abnormally dry/D0 (yellow), and moderate drought/D1 (tan). Yellow D0 areas form a band across northern, western, and south-central Wisconsin. Tan D1 areas appear in the northwest, north-central, and portions of south-central Wisconsin. No areas show severe (D2), extreme (D3), or exceptional (D4) drought.
A table lists percent area by category over time:
- Current: None 26.59%, D0-D4 73.41%, D1-D4 18.60%, D2-D4 0.42%, D3-D4 0.00%, D4 0.00%
- Last Week (07-14-2026): None 30.80%, D0-D4 69.20%, D1-D4 13.83%, D2-D4 0.00%, D3-D4 0.00%, D4 0.00%
- 3 Months Ago (04-21-2026): None 94.54%, D0-D4 5.46%, D1-D4 1.64%, D2-D4 0.00%, D3-D4 0.00%, D4 0.00%
- Start of Calendar Year (01-06-2026): None 2.76%, D0-D4 97.24%, D1-D4 53.46%, D2-D4 12.62%, D3-D4 0.00%, D4 0.00%
- Start of Water Year (09-30-2025): None 64.44%, D0-D4 35.56%, D1-D4 0.00%, D2-D4 0.00%, D3-D4 0.00%, D4 0.00%
- One Year Ago (07-22-2025): None 99.24%, D0-D4 0.76%, D1-D4 0.00%, D2-D4 0.00%, D3-D4 0.00%, D4 0.00%
A note states the Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions and local conditions may vary, directing viewers to droughtmonitor.unl.edu/About.aspx for more information. Logos for USDA, NDMC, NOAA, and NASA appear at the bottom alongside the URL droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
- Wisconsin: D1-D4 coverage increased by nearly 5%, expanding across northern counties. D2 (severe) drought has crept into parts of Iron County.
Image Description ↓
Map titled “U.S. Drought Monitor Class Change – Wisconsin, 1 Week,” comparing July 21, 2026 to July 14, 2026. Most of the state is shaded gray (no change). Scattered areas across west-central, north-central, and central Wisconsin are white (no data or no drought designation). Yellow bands indicating a 1-class degradation appear in three main areas: along the western border (Pierce/Pepin/Buffalo county area), a diagonal swath through north-central Wisconsin (near Oneida/Forest/Langlade/Marinette counties), and a second diagonal band through central-northeast Wisconsin (near Portage/Waupaca/Outagamie/Shawano counties), plus a small yellow patch in south-central Wisconsin. No areas show 2-5 class degradation or any improvement (light green through dark blue). Legend at bottom right shows a 10-category color scale from 5-class degradation (dark brown) to 5-class improvement (dark blue), with the NDMC (National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska) logo above it. Source: droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
- Many northern counties and a few eastern counties saw 1 class degradation
U.S. Drought Monitor Time Series
Image Description ↓
Line chart titled “Wisconsin Drought Time Series (USDM),” y-axis “Percent of State in Category” (0–100), x-axis dates weekly from 3/31/26 to 7/21/26. Five series: D0-D4 (yellow), D1-D4 (tan), D2-D4 (orange), D3-D4 (red), D4 (dark red).
D0-D4 starts at 27% (3/31), drops to about 9% (4/7–4/14), declines further to near 2% by late April, and stays flat around 2% through mid-May. It then rises sharply from 5/19 to 6/2, peaking at about 90% (6/2–6/9), then declines to roughly 73% (6/16–6/23), dips to a low near 60% around 7/7, and rises again to about 73% by 7/21.
D1-D4 stays low (0–5%) through May, rises to a small peak near 13% (6/2–6/9), falls back to under 5% by late June, and climbs again to about 18% by 7/21. D2-D4, D3-D4, and D4 remain near 0% throughout the entire period.
- D0 coverage = 69.2%; D1 coverage = 13.8%
Temperature Trends
7 Day Temperatures
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Choropleth map titled “Average Temperature (°F), July 14, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” sourced from PRISM Weather Data via the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, generated Tue Jul 21, 2026, 10:37:14 EDT. Color scale ranges from pale yellow (70°F) to dark orange (85°F). Northern and central Wisconsin, including areas around Eau Claire, show cooler temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s°F. Southern and eastern Wisconsin, including Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, show warmer temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s°F, with scattered pockets near 85°F along parts of the Lake Michigan shoreline and northwestern border. County boundaries are outlined throughout the state.
Image Description ↓
Map titled “Average Temperature (°F): Departure from 1991-2020 Normals, July 14, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” produced by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center using PRISM weather data, generated July 21, 2026. The entire state of Wisconsin shows above-normal temperatures, ranging from about 2°F to over 8°F warmer than the 1991–2020 average. Most of the state falls in the 4–8°F range (medium to dark orange), with the darkest brown shading (8–10°F above normal) concentrated in the far north. Cities labeled include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee. The color scale runs from green (-2°F, below normal) through white (near normal) to dark brown (10°F, well above normal).
- Average temperatures were 75-80°F across nearly all of Wisconsin. Further north, temperatures were in the low 70s.
- Temperatures were 6-8°F above normal for most of the state. In the far north, temperatures were 8-10°F above normal.
- Extreme heat (July 16-17): Wisconet stations across the state recorded daily maximum heat indices topping 100°F! Check out how hot it got in your neck of the woods.
30 Day Temperatures
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map titled “Average Temperature (°F), June 21, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” sourced from PRISM Weather Data via the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. The map shows Wisconsin shaded in three temperature bands: 65–70°F (pale yellow), 70–75°F (yellow), and 75–80°F (orange). Northern Wisconsin, including areas near Eau Claire, shows mostly pale yellow to yellow shading (65–72°F range). Central and southern Wisconsin, including Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, show predominantly yellow to orange shading, indicating warmer average temperatures in the 70–78°F range. The southwestern and southeastern border areas show the highest temperatures, approaching 78–80°F. A color-coded legend at the bottom spans 65 to 80°F. Generated Tue Jul 21, 2026, 10:38:19 EDT.
Image Description ↓
Map titled “Average Temperature (°F): Departure from 1991-2020 Normals, June 21, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” credited to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, with data source PRISM Weather Data, generated Tue Jul 21, 2026 10:38:02 EDT. The map shows Wisconsin shaded in a white-to-orange gradient scale ranging from -1 to 5°F, indicating departure from normal average temperature. Nearly the entire state shows temperatures 1 to 5°F above normal, with the deepest orange (4-5°F above normal) concentrated in north-central Wisconsin. Lighter shading (0-1°F above normal) appears in small areas of west-central Wisconsin near Eau Claire and scattered spots in the south-central region near Madison. Cities labeled with location markers include Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee. County boundary lines are overlaid on the color-shaded map.
Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F)
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Choropleth map of Wisconsin titled “Accumulated Growing Degree Days (50°F), May 01, 2026 to July 20, 2026,” sourced from PRISM Weather Data via the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. A color scale from purple (700) through blue, teal, green, yellow, orange, to red (1540) shows accumulated GDD by county-level grid. The far northern counties show the lowest accumulation (purple/blue, roughly 700–950). Central and northeastern Wisconsin show moderate values (teal/green, 950–1200). Southern and southwestern Wisconsin, along with a stretch of the Lake Michigan shoreline, show the highest accumulation (yellow/orange/red, 1250–1500+). Four cities are labeled with point markers: Eau Claire (west-central, green zone), Green Bay (northeast, green/yellow zone), Madison (south, orange zone), and Milwaukee (southeast, yellow/orange zone). The map is generated Tue Jul 21, 2026 10:38:49 EDT.
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map of Wisconsin showing accumulated Growing Degree Days (base 50°F) from May 15, 2026 to July 20, 2026, sourced from PRISM Weather Data. A color gradient scale ranges from 700 GDD (dark purple) to 1480 GDD (pink/red). The far northern tip of the state shows the lowest accumulation (around 700–840 GDD, purple/blue shades). Most of the northern and central-eastern regions, including areas near Green Bay, show mid-range values (910–1130 GDD, teal/green shades). Southern and western Wisconsin show the highest accumulations (1200–1410 GDD, yellow/orange/red shades), with the southernmost border areas reaching the highest values. Four cities are labeled with markers: Eau Claire (west-central, green/yellow zone), Green Bay (northeast, teal zone), Madison (south-central, orange zone), and Milwaukee (southeast, yellow/orange zone). Chart generated Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 10:39:16 EDT. Attribution: Midwestern Regional Climate Center.
- Starting May 1 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 1470 GDD in the far south and west to 1010 GDD in the far north. These values are 110-115% of normal.
- Starting May 15 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 1410 GDD in the far south and west to 980 GDD in the far north. These values are 115-120% of normal.
Crop Progress and Condition
Crop Progress Report for Corn
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Choropleth map of the contiguous United States showing corn crop condition ratings (percent rated good to excellent) by state, with change from the prior week in brackets, as of July 19, 2026. Only major corn-producing states are shaded; other states are gray (not reported).
State values (percent good-to-excellent [change from last week]):
- Minnesota: 80 [-4]
- North Dakota: 61 [-10]
- South Dakota: 56 [-8]
- Nebraska: 65 [+2]
- Iowa: 80 [+2]
- Kansas: 64 [0]
- Colorado: 40 [-10]
- Texas: 48 [+5]
- Missouri: 66 [-2]
- Illinois: 60 [+2]
- Indiana: 64 [+2]
- Ohio: 62 [-2]
- Wisconsin: 79 [-4]
- Michigan: 72 [0]
- Pennsylvania: 82 [0]
- Kentucky: 71 [-3]
- Tennessee: 80 [+3]
- North Carolina: 17 [+3]
National condition: 67% good to excellent, a decrease of 1 percentage point from the previous week.
Color legend ranges from dark green (90-100%) through light green/yellow shades down to tan (0-9%), with darker green indicating higher percent good-to-excellent. Data source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service weekly Crop Progress reports, prepared by USDA Office of the Chief Economist and World Agricultural Outlook Board.
Image Description ↓
USDA choropleth map of the United States titled “Corn Progress, Percent Silking, July 19, 2026,” shaded by change from the 5-year average (dark green = highest increase, orange/red = decrease, white = no change). State values (percent silking, with change from average in brackets): North Dakota 20 (-3), Minnesota 58 (+14), South Dakota 49 (+19), Wisconsin 23 (-3), Michigan 40 (+5), Iowa 72 (+15), Nebraska 60 (+1), Illinois 69 (-5), Indiana 53 (-1), Ohio 42 (+4), Pennsylvania 32 (+13), Colorado 54 (+32), Kansas 61 (+1), Missouri 81 (+3), Kentucky 81 (+11), Tennessee 95 (+10), North Carolina 96 (+8), Texas 87 (+4). National summary box: Silking 59%, Change from 5-year average +5%. Source note: data obtained from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service weekly Crop Progress reports.
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map of U.S. states shading (light to dark green) percent of soybean crop rated good to excellent, with change from prior week in brackets. State values: Minnesota 80 [-1]; North Dakota 52 [-5]; South Dakota 58 [-5]; Nebraska 68 [+3]; Iowa 79 [+5]; Kansas 72 [+3]; Missouri 57 [0]; Illinois 59 [+3]; Indiana 63 [0]; Ohio 63 [0]; Wisconsin 74 [-4]; Michigan 60 [0]; Kentucky 74 [-2]; Tennessee 76 [+1]; North Carolina 53 [+13]; Arkansas 72 [-6]; Mississippi 68 [+5]; Louisiana 57 [-1]. National good-to-excellent rating: 66%, up 1 point from the previous week. Data source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service weekly Crop Progress reports.
Image Description ↓
Choropleth map of the contiguous United States titled “Soybeans Progress: Percent Blooming, July 19, 2026,” prepared by USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist and World Agricultural Outlook Board. States are shaded on a scale from dark red (-40% or less vs. 5-year average) through white (no change) to dark green (40% or more), based on the percentage change from the 5-year average. Each shaded state shows the percent blooming followed by its change in brackets: North Dakota 62 [+8], South Dakota 62 [+19], Minnesota 76 [+12], Wisconsin 62 [+8], Michigan 59 [+5], Nebraska 69 [+1], Iowa 70 [+2], Illinois 66 [+1], Indiana 55 [0, no change], Ohio 55 [+4], Kansas 51 [+3], Missouri 59 [+10], Kentucky 63 [+15], North Carolina 66 [+15], Arkansas 92 [+4], Tennessee 82 [+22], Mississippi 93 [+5], Louisiana 97 [+3]. States not reporting are shown in gray. A legend at bottom right explains the color scale for percentage-point difference from the 5-year average. A summary box at bottom left reports National Progress: Blooming 66%, Change from 5-year average +6. Source note: data obtained from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service weekly Crop Progress reports.
- Wisconsin had 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork statewide, which is a gain from the previous week.
- Soybeans are 62% blooming, with 16% of soybeans setting pods.
- Corn silking is 23% complete.
- Corn and soybean conditions are 79% and 74% good to excellent, respectively.
- Winter wheat is 96% coloring and 29% harvested.
- Oats are 94% headed and 70% coloring. Oat condition is 80% good to excellent.
- Pasture and range were rated 61% good to excellent, down 3% from last week.
- The second cutting of alfalfa is 86% complete, with third cutting at 12% complete.
- Read the full USDA report.
Forecasts and Outlooks
7 Day Precipitation Forecast
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Map titled “7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast for July 23–30, 2026,” covering Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and surrounding Great Lakes area, with NOAA, NIDIS, and National Weather Service logos in the top right. Most of Wisconsin is shaded light green, indicating predicted precipitation of about 0.01 to 0.1 inches. A band of darker green extends along eastern Wisconsin near Lake Michigan and into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, indicating 0.25 to 0.5 inches. Small white patches near western and southern Wisconsin indicate near-zero predicted precipitation. Northern Minnesota and areas east of Lake Michigan show darker green shading in the 0.25 to 0.5 inch range. A small area of dark blue near the right edge of the map, over Lake Huron, indicates roughly 0.75 to 1 inch. Cities labeled include Minneapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, and Grand (partially cut off, likely Grand Rapids). A color-coded legend below the map shows precipitation values ranging from 0 to over 20 inches, using a gradient from white and light green through dark green, blue, cyan, purple, magenta, red, orange, gold, yellow, and pink. Source: National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, via Drought.gov. Last updated 07/23/26.
- When? – The best chances for rain during the upcoming week are on Saturday (7/25), Sunday (7/26), and Wednesday (7/29).
- Where? – Rainfall chances are higher on the eastern side of the state.
- 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 titled “8–14 Day Precipitation Outlook for July 30–August 5, 2026,” sourced from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center via Drought.gov, last updated 07/22/26. Shows Wisconsin and surrounding region (Minnesota, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan). Most of Wisconsin, including Madison and Milwaukee, falls in a tan-shaded zone indicating 33–40% probability of below-normal precipitation. Far northern Wisconsin counties are unshaded, indicating near-normal conditions. No areas show above-normal precipitation probability. Legend includes two color scales (33–100%) for below-normal (tan to dark brown) and above-normal (light to dark teal) precipitation probabilities, plus a gray swatch for near-normal conditions.
Image Description ↓
Map titled “8–14 Day Temperature Outlook for July 30–August 5, 2026” from NOAA/NIDIS/National Weather Service, sourced from the Climate Prediction Center via Drought.gov, last updated 07/22/26. Wisconsin is almost entirely shaded gray, indicating near-normal temperature conditions are expected. A narrow band along the western edge of Wisconsin and into eastern Minnesota (including the Minneapolis area) is shaded pale yellow, corresponding to a 33–40% probability of above-normal temperatures on the legend scale. Two color-coded probability legends are shown: a blue scale for probability of below-normal temperatures (33% to 100%) and an orange-to-red scale for probability of above-normal temperatures (33% to 100%), neither of which is used elsewhere on this map. Cities labeled include Minneapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay (partially visible).
- July-August Transition: Temperatures are leaning towards near normal for most of the state, with the western counties leaning slightly towards above normal (33-40% odds). Precipitation is leaning towards below normal statewide (40-50% odds), with a lesser chance for below normal precipitation in the far north/northeast.
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for July 30 – August 5 are 68.8°F and 0.88”.
30 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
Image Description ↓
Map titled “Monthly Precipitation Outlook for August 1-31, 2026.” The map shows the Climate Prediction Center’s monthly precipitation outlook for Wisconsin and surrounding states.
Wisconsin is entirely shaded white, indicating Equal Chances (EC) of below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal precipitation during August 2026. No areas within Wisconsin are highlighted for increased odds of wetter- or drier-than-normal conditions.
A tan-shaded area indicating increased odds of below-normal precipitation is visible to the east over parts of Michigan and the Great Lakes region. A light teal-shaded area indicating increased odds of above-normal precipitation extends into portions of Iowa and areas southwest of Wisconsin. Neither outlook area directly covers Wisconsin.
Image Description ↓
NOAA/Climate Prediction Center map titled “Monthly Temperature Outlook for August 1–31, 2026,” covering Wisconsin, Michigan, and surrounding Great Lakes states. Nearly the entire mapped area is uncolored, indicating equal chances of below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal temperatures (no strong lean in either direction). A small light blue-shaded area appears in the far northwestern corner (part of Minnesota), indicating a 33–40% probability of below-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 yellow to dark red, 33%–100%), and “Probability of Near-Normal Temperatures” (light to dark gray, 33%–50%). Source: Climate Prediction Center. Last updated 07/16/26. NOAA, NIDIS, and National Weather Service logos appear in the top right; “Drought.gov” logo appears in the bottom right.
- August: Conditions are uncertain currently, with equal chances for above, near, or below normal temperatures and precipitation.
- 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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