Weather and climate conditions this week in Wisconsin
Here are this week’s take-home points about the weather. Scroll down for the full downloadable report.
Current Wisconsin weather and climate conditions
- Minus some locations around Milwaukee/SE WI, the state recorded no precip over the past week (May 6-13). The southeast has been the driest region of the state over the past 30 days.
- Temperatures were above normal across most of the state, with temps of >6°F above normal in the west and multiple days topping 80°F.
Impact
- Soil moisture conditions dried out some after a week of virtually no precip. Conditions are driest in the southeast, and the central/north region is now estimated at near-normal conditions.
- D1 drought coverage has expanded to the east along the Illinois border (just under 6% of the state covered).
- Corn and soybean planting made big gains from last week (44% & 40% complete, respectively), with some emergence reported (Source: NASS).
- Wisconet soil temperature readings at 4” are in the upper 50’s to low 60’s.
Outlook for Wisconsin weather and climate
- Frost/freeze risk is still existent across the state, but the risk is slim outside of the north & central. Check this link for day-to-day freeze chances from NWS Milwaukee.
- Things look a bit more active for precip this week, with the best chances for precip in the northwest and central.
- Late May probabilities are showing a likelihood for cooler-than-normal temps and a lean towards near-normal precip.
Agronomic considerations
- Field Work and Conditions
- Soil temperatures and conditions have favored planting this week. Very Northern areas of the state still have a frost risk this week.
- Avoid trafficking fields in moist conditions to prevent compaction and rutting with upcoming predicted precipitation.
- In drier regions of the state, particularly southern and southwest WI, consider earlier termination of cover crops to retain soil moisture if conditions remain dry. If conditions are wet, consider delaying termination to manage excess soil moisture.
- Manure Applications
- Reminder of Wisconsin’s NR 151 Runoff Rules with the timing of manure spreading and current runoff levels. Check DATCP Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast.
- Pest Management
- Scout fields to note which weed species are emerging.
- As corn and soybean crops emerge, note growth stages to time future applications and sampling.
- Ensure temperatures (day, night, and soil) are conducive for herbicide applications. Pre-emergent herbicides require moisture for activation.
- Be observant of black cutworm and true armyworm moths migrating to the state. Check trap catches in your region with the DATCP Pest Survey. Sign up for insect pest alerts specific to your region.
- Reports of black cutworm larvae have started. Begin scouting for signs of feeding as soon as corn plants emerge.
- Forage Management
- Continue scouting for alfalfa weevil as alfalfa stands grow.
- Alfalfa stands in southern WI are rapidly growing. Watch for lodging if plants reach tall heights before first harvest. See first harvest considerations here.
- Small Grains
- Revisit small grain fertility needs.
- Reminder to properly stage small grains such as winter wheat, as many herbicides cannot be applied after Feekes 5.
- Specialty crops- Vegetables
- Adult seed corn maggot flies have emerged across Wisconsin while onion maggot and cabbage maggot flies have emerged in southern and western portions of the state. These pests overwinter in Wisconsin as pupae in the soil. When the flies emerge, they are attracted to fields with high organic matter. If possible, terminate and incorporate cover crops 2-3 weeks before planting to reduce the attractiveness of these fields as egg laying sites. Delaying direct seeding until soil is warmer will reduce the risk of seedling damage.
- Common asparagus beetle populations are at damaging levels across much of the state. Northeast Wisconsin can expect damaging levels in the next 1-2 weeks. If you have had problems before, make sure to scout the edges of those fields in the afternoon when these beetles are most active.
- Scout for black cutworm migrating to the state with weather fronts. Check trap catches in your region with the DATCP pest survey.
- Reference the Vegetable Disease and Insect Forecasting Network (VDIFN) to know what diseases and insects to be scouting for in your area.
- Specialty Crops- Fruit
- 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 or order a hard copy here: MFPMG Hard Copy.
- Apple growers can reference the NEWA weather station network to monitor disease infection events for apple scab and fire blight. Make sure to keep track of green tip and petal fall dates. Check out your nearest weather station: NEWA Weather Station Network (Cornell).
- Codling moth have been captured in Southern WI. Make sure to check traps after warm, calm evenings to establish a biofix date. Biofix occurs when ~5 or more moths are captured in one evening or captured across consecutive nights. First generation larvae will emerge after ~250 degree-days base 50℉ from the biofix date.
- Keep track of degree-days (base 50℉) from petal fall to determine the end of plum curculio movement into the orchard. Plum curculio will continue movement into the orchard until ~308 degree-days base 50℉ have accumulated from petal fall.
- Grape growers can begin fertilization prior to bloom and should review last year’s petiole analysis to determine nutrient needs. Check out this recent UW Fruit News article on Fertilizing Wine Grapes.
If you would like to obtain a PowerPoint copy of this report, please email rue.genger@wisc.edu.