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 seasonal across most of the state (within -/+1°F of normal). Further north and west, temperatures were slightly above normal (by 1-3°F).
- Most of Wisconsin was relatively dry last week, with precipitation totals of 0.1” or less. Localized areas in south-central, southwestern, and far northern Wisconsin received between 0.25-0.5”.
Impact
- For Wisconet stations included in the chart and table, all stations saw decreased soil moisture from last week’s report after a relatively dry week (0.0-0.3” of rain).
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate similar conditions compared to last week. Drier-than-normal conditions are prevalent across the north, while portions of southern and eastern Wisconsin have near-normal soil moisture in the top 1-meter depth.
- Drought improved across central counties, with the elimination of D0. D3 drought expanded into northeastern counties, and D4 coverage increased slightly.
- Soybean harvest is now underway with corn silage harvest nearing completion. A mostly dry week allowed farmers to get out into the fields to harvest and/or seed cover crops.
Outlook
- Across Wisconsin, precipitation totals over the next 7 days are currently forecasted to be relatively low for early October.
- Mid-October temperatures are leaning above normal statewide, with precipitation leaning below normal statewide.
- October temperatures are leaning above normal across the western half of Wisconsin. Precipitation is leaning below normal across the central and northern counties.
- The outlook for the rest of fall into early winter, indicates a lean towards above-normal temperatures with precipitation uncertain (“equal chances”).
Agronomic, Fruit, and Vegetable Considerations
Field Conditions
- Crop conditions are highly reflective of moisture throughout the state. Harvest of early planted soybean has begun in the southern half of the state. Be careful to not rut fields with recent moisture.
- After harvest is a great time to take soil samples. Make plans to stay up to date with your nutrient management plan.
Forage Management
- Fourth crop alfalfa is being harvested. Use the Alfalfa Cutting Tool to plan your final cut to manage for persistence and winter survival.
- Read about the impacts of drought on alfalfa if your crop is affected.
- Silage season is here, and dry down events have concluded for the year. View moistures collected from dry down events: 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.
- Consider planting a cover crop after silage. A cover crop can not only provide environmental benefits but also forage for livestock.
- Silo gas has been present again this year in various structures, potentially due to higher nitrate content in silage. Use caution when working with or near these storage structures.
Pest Management
- Scout fields to note what weed species are part of a late season flush.
- Read the late-season field crops disease report. Diseases may be visible in corn and soybean fields, so make appropriate harvest plans if disease is present.
- Planting cover crops after grain harvest is a great way to reduce soil erosion and provide weed control.
- Reducing next year’s weed seed population can be accomplished with combine cleaning.
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.
- As you conduct fall spreading, keeping field records is important to estimate crop nutrient needs. Refer to A2809 for guidance. Fall is also a great time to have manure samples analyzed for nutrient content.
Small Grains
- If you are planting winter wheat this fall, consider revisiting Small Grains Recommendations and Row Width and Seeding Rates in WI.
- Read the Top 9 Recommendations for Winter Wheat Establishment in 2026. The planting window (September 20-October 10) is here.
Fruit Considerations – General
- Sun scald and southwest injury to trunks and branches have been observed across many orchards and vineyards this summer, likely due to wide variations in winter temperatures that can cause trunk and branch cracking. Growers may consider flagging trees and branches while harvesting, then return this winter to prune out impacted branches and take a closer look at injury.
- Fruit sunburn has been observed across many fruit crops in southern WI. Consider removing this fruit while out picking to prevent other pests attracted to the volatiles (scent).
- Table and wine grape harvest is officially completed at West Madison Research Station, harvesting Petite Pearl, La Crescent and Frontenac this week. Check out last week’s WI Fruit Crop Scouting Report for updates on grape maturity testing.
- Grape growers dealing with uneven ripening may reference this 2024 WI Fruit News article: Understanding and Addressing Uneven Ripening in Grapes.
- Reminder: Always read and follow directions on the label and keep in mind pre-harvest intervals (PHI) as we move through harvest.
- 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).
- 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 may impact grape quality at harvest. Read more about signs/symptoms and management in this 2024 WI Fruit News article on late-season downy mildew.
- Black rot and fruit rot 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 and fruit rot management around harvest.
Fruit Considerations – Insects
- Apple growers should continue monitoring pheromone traps and degree-day (base 50℉) accumulation for Codling moth through harvest.
- Apple maggot pressure is variable across the state. Growers should continue to use red sphere traps to monitor populations through harvest.
- Grape and berry growers monitoring spotted wing drosophila should continue checking and refreshing traps weekly through harvest.
- Brown marmorated stink bug has been observed at West Madison. Keep an eye out for large populations through harvest.
- Check out the WI DATCP Orchard Insect Pest Bulletin for more information on current insect trap captures across the state.
Vegetable Considerations – General
- As warm season crops start to wind down, now is the time to start thinking about residue management. Either removing or tilling in residue helps with both disease and pest management for next season. Many insect pests including squash vine borer and cabbage maggot overwinter in residue left in the field. Plant pathogens including early blight and Septoria can also be carried into the next season on residue remaining in the field into the next season. For smaller scale growers who would like to reduce tillage, another option to help with residue breakdown is flail mowing and tarping.
- Make note of diseases you are dealing with this season and consider trialing resistant varieties next year.
- 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.
- Winter squash storage: temperatures should range from 50-55°F. Relative humidity should be between 50-70%. The area should be well ventilated. Store pumpkins away from ethylene producing crops like apples, melons and tomatoes
- Garlic should be planted within about two weeks of the first frost in Wisconsin. Review this publication for more planting information.
Vegetable Considerations – Disease
- With the recent rains in southern WI, some growers are experiencing bacterial soft rot. Bacterial soft rot is caused by a variety of pathogens including Pectobacterium and Dickeya. These soft rot pathogens are ‘weak’ pathogens, meaning they only infect tissue that is already damaged in some way, such as insect feeding or crop handling. Therefore, it is important to be careful during harvest to prevent damage and decrease the chance of disease spread. During post-harvest handling, it is recommended to add sanitizer to your wash water to reduce the chance of spread. More information on wash water sanitizers. More information on handling post-harvest rots.
- 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.
- If pumpkin vines are impacted by powdery mildew, harvest as soon as possible-they will continue ripening after being picked. If powdery mildew spreads to the handles, it can make them brittle and reduce desirability for customers. For tips managing other late season pumpkin diseases see this article from Purdue.
Vegetable Considerations – Insects
- Cabbage aphid populations can increase quickly especially on long season crops such as Brussel sprouts. Their populations actually grow more quickly in relatively cooler temperatures (50-68°F). They prefer to feed on new growth including developing Brussel sprout buds. If plants are infected this fall, but residue cannot be tilled in or removed, be sure to remove/destroy crop residue early next spring before eggs hatch. Management options include biological controls and insecticides although they must be applied early before an infestation is severe.
- Have you struggled with asparagus beetles in the past? Once ferns are completely brown, it is recommended to either chop or mow them and then remove and compost elsewhere when possible. This will prevent the beetles from overwintering in your field.
Dive deeper into each report section by clicking a topic below.
Precipitation Trends
7 Day Precipitation
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TNOAA radar estimates map displaying 7-day rainfall totals in inches across Wisconsin and upper Midwest regions for the date range September 22, 2026 to September 29, 2026. Northern and northeastern Wisconsin recorded under 0.01 inches to 0.1 inches of rain. Central, western, and southern areas, including Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, and Milwaukee, received between 0.1 and 0.5 inches, with localized spots in western Wisconsin reaching up to 1.5 inches. Surrounding areas in Minnesota and Iowa recorded higher rainfall totals up to 2 inches.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center indicating precipitation departure from 1991–2020 normals in inches from January 01, 2026 to September 28, 2026. Northern and northwestern counties show a precipitation deficit ranging from 2 to 8 inches below normal. Southern and eastern regions, including Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, show a surplus ranging from 2 to 12 inches above normal, while Eau Claire sits near a zero-inch departure line.
- When? – Rain chances are highest on Saturday (10/3) and Sunday (10/4), primarily across the north.
- Where? – Across Wisconsin, precipitation totals are currently forecasted to be relatively low for early October.
- Average precip (1991-2020) for this week: 0.77”.
30 Day Precipitation Total and Departure from Normals
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center displaying total accumulated precipitation in inches from August 30, 2026 to September 28, 2026. The northern third of the state received between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain. Central and southern regions, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, received higher totals ranging from 3 to 6 inches, with scattered areas in central Wisconsin recording between 6 and 8 inches.
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center showing accumulated precipitation as a percent of 1991–2020 normals for the period August 30, 2026 to September 28, 2026. Northern Wisconsin experienced below-normal precipitation, ranging from 30% to 75% across most northern counties, with localized areas receiving 20% to 30%. Central and southern Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, experienced normal to above-normal precipitation, ranging from 90% to 150% of 1991–2020 normals.
- Rainfall totals of 5-8” were common across the southern and central counties, with local totals of over 8”. These totals were 125-300% of normal.
- In the northern counties, totals of ≤3” were common, which was ≤75% of normal. Some locations in the far north received totals that were ≤30% of normal.
90 Day Precipitation Total and Percent of Normals
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center showing total accumulated precipitation in inches from July 01, 2026 to September 28, 2026. Northern Wisconsin recorded accumulated precipitation mostly between 2 and 5 inches. Moving south toward Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, total rainfall increased to between 7.5 and 15 inches across central and southern counties.
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center illustrating 90-day accumulated precipitation as a percent of 1991–2020 normals from July 01, 2026 to September 28, 2026. Northern Wisconsin remained below normal, generally receiving 50% to 75% of normal precipitation with isolated areas at 30% to 50%. Central and southern Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, recorded mostly near-normal to slightly above-normal values between 90% and 125%.
- In the southern 2/3 of the state, totals ranged from 10-15” for most, with localized areas of 15-20”. Rainfall totals in this region were near to above average (90-150%).
- Northern counties were the driest, with most locations receiving totals that were at or below 75% of normal.
2026 Precipitation
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center displaying accumulated precipitation in inches from January 01, 2026 to September 28, 2026. Northern Wisconsin received total precipitation between 16 and 25 inches. Central and southern Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, recorded higher totals ranging from 28 to 37 inches, with southwestern counties reaching between 37 and 43 inches.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center indicating precipitation departure from 1991–2020 normals in inches from January 01, 2026 to September 28, 2026. Northern and northwestern counties show a precipitation deficit ranging from 2 to 8 inches below normal. Southern and eastern regions, including Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, show a surplus ranging from 2 to 12 inches above normal, while Eau Claire sits near a zero-inch departure line.
Soil Moisture and Temperature Trends
Soil Moisture Models
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The map illustrates 0 to 100 centimeter soil moisture percentiles across Wisconsin. Extremely dry conditions persist across northern counties, with values remaining under the 2nd percentile (dark red). Central, western, and southern regions show dry conditions between the 2nd and 20th percentiles (red, orange, and light orange). Eastern and south-central counties near Milwaukee and Madison display near-normal levels between the 30th and 70th percentiles (grey). Logos for NOAA, NIDIS, and NASA are located at the top right, with source credit to NASA and Drought.gov.
Image Description ↓
The map shows soil moisture percentiles across Wisconsin at a depth of 0 to 100 centimeters. Northern Wisconsin depicts severe dryness, with soil moisture percentiles falling below the 2nd to 5th percentile range (dark red and red shading). Central and western regions range mostly between the 5th and 30th percentiles (orange and yellow tones). Southeastern Wisconsin and areas around Madison show moderate to average moisture levels between the 30th and 70th percentiles (grey and white). Logos for NOAA, NIDIS, and NASA appear at the top right, with data attributed to NASA and Drought.gov.
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate similar conditions compared to last week’s report.
- Dryness has worsened across south-central counties, and some northeast and east-central counties are indicated as having near-normal soil moisture for mid-September.
- 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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Wisconsin map displaying plant available water at a 4-inch soil depth recorded at various weather stations across the state. Stations in northern and central Wisconsin predominantly feature low values between 0.00 and 0.20 inches, marked with dark brown circles. Higher values between 0.60 and 1.04 inches appear across southern and southwestern stations around La Crosse, Madison, Appleton, and Milwaukee, marked with light blue circles.
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Wisconsin map showing plant available water at an 8-inch soil depth recorded across statewide monitoring stations. Far northern and north-central stations show lower soil water values mostly between 0.00 and 0.50 inches, indicated in dark brown. Central, southern, and eastern stations near Eau Claire, Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay show higher values ranging from 0.90 to 2.11 inches, indicated in light to medium blue circles.
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Wisconsin map displaying plant available water at a 20-inch depth recorded at monitoring stations throughout the state. Northern counties report low available water levels generally under 0.80 inches, with several northern sites recording between 0.00 and 0.46 inches. Southern and southeastern counties around Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton, and Janesville display significantly higher moisture levels, ranging from 3.27 to 5.14 inches, represented by blue circles.
- For Wisconet stations included in the chart and table, all stations saw decreased soil moisture from last week’s report after a relatively dry week (0.0-0.3” of rain).
- Nearly all stations in the chart and table have 4” soil moisture levels that are higher than they were one month ago.
- Stations included in the chart and table that are currently in D1 drought are Marshfield (Marathon) and Osseo (Trempealeau).
- Stations included in the chart and table that are currently in D2 drought are River Falls (Pierce) and Rice Lake (Barron).
- The maps (above) show the daily average Wisconet plant available water (inches) on September 28th.
- The table (below) shows total precipitation and changes in plant available water from September 21st (Start) to September 28th (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 | 0.84 | 0.68 | 1.60 | 1.62 | 3.94 | 3.78 |
| Brillion | Calumet | 0.00 | 0.76 | 0.55 | 1.61 | 1.31 | 4.29 | 3.99 |
| Hancock | Waushara | 0.00 | 0.07 | 0.00 | 0.22 | 0.05 | 0.42 | 0.07 |
| Lancaster | Grant | 0.30 | 1.07 | 0.91 | 2.13 | 1.89 | 5.23 | 4.89 |
| Marshfield | Marathon | 0.01 | 1.14 | 1.00 | 2.26 | 2.11 | 5.29 | 5.14 |
| Osseo | Trempealeau | 0.10 | 1.00 | 0.72 | 1.99 | 1.55 | 5.03 | 4.39 |
| Porter | Rock | 0.26 | 1.00 | 0.99 | 2.00 | 1.99 | 4.88 | 4.87 |
| Rice Lake | Barron | 0.00 | 0.32 | 0.12 | 0.74 | 0.42 | 1.41 | 1.08 |
| River Falls | Pierce | 0.07 | 0.40 | 0.25 | 1.09 | 0.79 | 1.09 | 0.79 |
| Suring | Oconto | 0.00 | 0.51 | 0.29 | 0.85 | 0.50 | 0.85 | 0.50 |
| Walworth | Walworth | 0.09 | 1.08 | 0.94 | 2.11 | 1.93 | 5.13 | 4.94 |
| Wisconet Station | Current 4″ Soil Moisture | Last Week’s 4″ Soil Moisture | 1 Month Ago 4″ Soil Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | 0.68 | 0.84 | 0.61 |
| Brillion | 0.55 | 0.76 | 0.07 |
| Hancock | 0.00 | 0.07 | 0.00 |
| Lancaster | 0.91 | 1.07 | 0.75 |
| Marshfield | 1.00 | 1.14 | 0.82 |
| Osseo | 0.72 | 1.00 | 0.44 |
| Porter | 0.99 | 1.00 | 0.80 |
| Rice Lake | 0.12 | 0.32 | 0.00 |
| River Falls | 0.25 | 0.40 | 0.00 |
| Suring | 0.29 | 0.51 | 0.00 |
| Walworth | 0.94 | 1.08 | 0.78 |
USDA Soil Moisture Reports
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Map produced by USDA titled Topsoil Moisture Percent Adequate for the week ending September 27, 2026. Each state displays two numbers: top number shows the percent of topsoil moisture rated adequate, and the bottom bracketed number shows weekly change. High values appear in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, such as Vermont at 100 percent adequate, New York at 90 percent, and California at 80 percent. Low values appear in the Southwest and South Central regions, such as Nevada at 10 percent, Wyoming at 15 percent, and Arkansas at 10 percent. Wisconsin reports 63 percent adequate with a plus 1 change. The national overall score for the 48 states is 48 percent adequate, up 2 points from the previous week.
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Map produced by USDA titled Subsoil Moisture Percent Adequate for the week ending September 27, 2026. Each state displays two numbers: the top number represents the percent of subsoil moisture rated adequate, and the bottom bracketed number represents the change from the previous week. State values range from as low as 10 percent in New Mexico and 11 percent in Arkansas up to 99 percent in Vermont and 92 percent in New York. Wisconsin shows 63 percent adequate with a change of plus 5. Lower left table summarizes the 48 contiguous states with an overall adequate score of 46 percent, reflecting a plus 2 percent change from last week.
- 63% of agricultural soils in the state are reported as having adequate topsoil and subsoil moisture, which is unchanged from the previous week.
- 27% and 31% of agricultural soils in the state are reported as having short to very short topsoil and subsoil moisture, respectively. The topsoil value increased by 1% from last week’s report.
Wisconet Soil Temperature
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Wisconsin map displaying soil temperatures at a 4-inch depth in degrees Fahrenheit at stations across the state. Nearly all reported station values fall within the 50 to 70 degree Fahrenheit range, represented by green and light yellow circles. Northern stations range from 56.5 to 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit, while southern stations near Madison, Milwaukee, and La Crosse range from 60.3 to 67.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Wisconsin map showing soil temperatures at an 8-inch depth in degrees Fahrenheit across monitoring sites. Statewide values remain in the 50 to 70 degree Fahrenheit range, depicted by green circles. Northern stations register temperatures between 56.1 and 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Central and southern stations near Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee report slightly higher temperatures between 59.5 and 67.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Wisconsin map displaying soil temperatures at a 20-inch depth in degrees Fahrenheit at stations across the state. All active stations record temperatures within the 50 to 70 degree Fahrenheit range, represented by light green circles. Northern regions show values between 56.3 and 61.3 degrees Fahrenheit, while central and southern regions around Madison, Milwaukee, and La Crosse display values between 59.5 and 67.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The maps show daily average Wisconet soil temperature conditions on September 28th.
U.S. Drought Monitor
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Map titled U.S. Drought Monitor Midwest, dated September 29, 2026, released October 1, 2026, authored by Jonathan Case (NASA/MSFC/UAH). Map highlights drought intensity across Midwestern states. Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan show severe to exceptional drought conditions (shaded orange, red, and dark maroon). Southern Missouri also shows an area of severe to extreme drought. Most of the central and eastern Midwest region (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio) is largely unaffected or abnormally dry (shaded yellow). A table in the upper right lists current drought coverage percentage area: None at 54.21%, D0-D4 at 45.79%, D1-D4 at 27.34%, D2-D4 at 12.89%, D3-D4 at 4.66%, and D4 exceptional drought at 0.34%. Comparison percentages for last week, 3 months ago, start of calendar year, start of water year, and one year ago are also included.
Compared to last week:
- Midwest: Drought (D1-D4) coverage increased by 3% from last week’s report. 1 class improvements were noted across central WI, northwest MN, and northwest IA. 1 class degradations were noted further south in parts of MO, IL, and KY.
- 72.7% of the Midwest region is drought free (~27.3% in D1-D4).
Image Description ↓
Map titled U.S. Drought Monitor Wisconsin, dated September 29, 2026, released October 1, 2026, authored by Jonathan Case (NASA/MSFC/UAH). Northern Wisconsin is shaded in bright red (D3 Extreme Drought) and dark maroon (D4 Exceptional Drought, covering 3.06% of the state in far northern counties). Central and western Wisconsin are shaded orange (D2 Severe Drought) and tan (D1 Moderate Drought). Southern and eastern Wisconsin remain white (No Drought) with a thin yellow fringe (D0 Abnormally Dry). A data table on the right indicates current state coverage: 45.77% None, 54.23% D0-D4, 52.97% D1-D4, 40.71% D2-D4, 20.26% D3-D4, and 3.06% D4. Historical comparison data for previous weeks and years is provided in additional table rows.
- Wisconsin: Drought improved across central counties, with the elimination of D0. D3 drought expanded into northeastern counties, and D4 coverage increased slightly.
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Map titled U.S. Drought Monitor Class Change – Wisconsin, 1 Week, comparing September 29, 2026, to September 22, 2026, from the National Drought Mitigation Center. Most of northern, central, and southern Wisconsin is shaded grey, indicating no change in drought conditions. A central band stretching west-to-east across the state is shaded light green, representing a 1 Class Improvement. Narrow bands across central and northeastern Wisconsin are shaded yellow, indicating a 1 Class Degradation. The legend on the lower right defines color categories ranging from 5 Class Degradation (dark brown) to 5 Class Improvement (dark blue).
- Wisconsin: Drought improved across central counties, with the elimination of D0. D3 drought expanded into northeastern counties, and D4 coverage increased slightly.
U.S. Drought Monitor Time Series
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Line graph titled Wisconsin Drought Time Series (USDM) tracking drought percentage levels across the state from April 28, 2026, to September 29, 2026. The vertical axis measures percent of state in category from 0 to 100, and the horizontal axis lists weekly dates. Five colored lines represent cumulative drought thresholds: bright yellow (D0-D4), light orange (D1-D4), dark orange (D2-D4), red (D3-D4), and dark maroon (D4). The yellow D0-D4 line spikes sharply in late May to around 90 percent, remaining above 85 percent through early September before declining to near 54 percent on September 29. Meanwhile, severe categories show steady increases starting in July: D2-D4 rises to around 40 percent by late August, D3-D4 reaches 20 percent in late September, and D4 emerges in mid-September, ending near 3 percent.
- D0 coverage = 54.2%; D1 coverage = 53.0%; D2 coverage = 40.7%; D3 coverage = 20.3%; D4 coverage = 3.1%
Temperature Trends
7 Day Temperatures
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center displaying average temperature in degrees Fahrenheit from September 22 to September 28, 2026. Across nearly the entire state, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, average temperatures fell between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with northern areas mostly between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit and central to southern areas between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A few small spots along the southwestern border recorded averages between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center showing average temperature departure from 1991–2020 normals in degrees Fahrenheit for September 22 to September 28, 2026. Northern and north-central regions experienced slightly above-normal temperatures ranging from 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Southern and southeastern counties, including Madison and Milwaukee, experienced slightly below-normal temperatures between 1 and 3 degrees Fahrenheit below normal. Large portions of central and western Wisconsin remained within 1 degree Fahrenheit of normal.
- Average temperatures ranged from the upper 50s in the south and central to the low 50s in the far north.
- Temperatures were seasonal across most of the state (within -/+1°F of normal). Further north and west, temperatures were slightly above normal (by 1-3°F).
30 Day Temperatures
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center displaying 30-day average temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit from August 30 to September 28, 2026. Most of central, southern, and western Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, averaged between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Far northern regions averaged between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center showing average temperature departure from 1991–2020 normals in degrees Fahrenheit from August 30 to September 28, 2026. The entire state recorded above-normal temperatures during this 30-day period. Most regions, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, were 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, while localized areas across northern, western, and central Wisconsin were 4 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F)
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center and USDA showing accumulated growing degree days using a base of 50 degrees Fahrenheit from May 01, 2026 to September 28, 2026. Values follow a gradient increasing from north to south. Northern counties logged between 1,670 and 2,090 GDD. Central regions near Eau Claire and Green Bay accumulated between 2,190 and 2,500 GDD, while southern counties around Madison and Milwaukee accumulated between 2,610 and 2,920 GDD, with isolated southern border spots reaching above 2,920 GDD.
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Map of Wisconsin generated by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center and USDA displaying accumulated growing degree days base 50 degrees Fahrenheit from May 15, 2026 to September 28, 2026. The distribution shows a distinct north-to-south increase across the state. Northern counties accumulated between 1,670 and 2,060 GDD. Central areas around Eau Claire and Green Bay measured between 2,160 and 2,460 GDD, while southern Wisconsin near Madison and Milwaukee recorded between 2,560 and 2,860 GDD.
- Starting May 1 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 2920 GDD in the far south and west to 1980 GDD in the far north. These values are 110-115% of normal.
- Starting May 15 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 2860 GDD in the far south and west to 1960 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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Map produced by USDA titled Corn Conditions Percent Good to Excellent for September 27, 2026. Major corn-producing states display a top number showing percent rated good to excellent and a bottom bracketed number showing weekly change. Ratings range from 25 percent in North Dakota and 32 percent in Colorado up to 81 percent in Tennessee and 79 percent in Kentucky. Iowa reports 75 percent, Illinois reports 60 percent, and Wisconsin reports 59 percent (down 2 from last week). Lower left box indicates the National Condition overall is 57 percent good to excellent, showing 0 change from the previous week.
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Map produced by USDA titled Corn Progress Percent Mature for September 27, 2026. Top number per state shows the percentage of corn crop mature, and bottom bracketed number indicates difference from the 5-year average. North Carolina leads at 94 percent, Kansas at 93 percent, and Illinois at 89 percent. Michigan trails significantly at 23 percent mature, which is 25 percentage points below its 5-year average. Wisconsin reports 54 percent mature, standing 2 percentage points above its 5-year average. Minnesota is at 79 percent mature (+11). The National Progress summary box indicates 72 percent overall maturity, 1 percentage point ahead of the 5-year average.
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Map produced by USDA titled Soybean Conditions Percent Good to Excellent for September 27, 2026. Top number in each reporting state shows percent good to excellent, while bottom bracketed number shows change from last week. Scores range from 31 percent in North Dakota and 36 percent in Kansas to 75 percent in Kentucky and 74 percent in Iowa. Wisconsin reports 57 percent good to excellent (down 1 from last week). Illinois reports 60 percent, Indiana reports 62 percent, and Minnesota reports 58 percent. Summary box shows National Condition at 58 percent good to excellent with 0 change from last week.
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Map produced by USDA titled Soybeans Progress Percent Dropping Leaves for September 27, 2026. Each state displays top percentage of soybeans dropping leaves and bottom bracketed difference from 5-year average. Louisiana leads at 96 percent mature (+8), Mississippi at 93 percent (+8), and Minnesota at 88 percent (+10). Iowa reports 62 percent dropping leaves (-14 below average) and Indiana reports 59 percent (-15 below average). Wisconsin reports 70 percent dropping leaves, standing 1 percentage point above its 5-year average. National Progress summary box shows 75 percent dropping leaves nationwide, matching the 5-year average.
- Wisconsin had 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork statewide. A mostly dry week allowed farmers to make good progress on harvesting silage and seeding winter wheat and cover crops.
- 70% of the state’s soybeans are dropping leaves, with 5% of soybeans harvested.
- Corn is 92% at dent stage and 54% at maturity.
- Corn silage harvest is 75% complete.
- Corn and soybean conditions are 59% and 57% good to excellent, respectively. Both values are down from last week’s report.
- Pasture and range were rated 42% good to excellent, unchanged from last week.
- Read the full USDA report.
Forecasts and Outlooks
7 Day Precipitation Forecast
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The map shows Wisconsin and surrounding regions color-coded by predicted inches of precipitation. Most of northern, central, and western Wisconsin, including Minneapolis, is shaded light green, representing 0.01 to 0.1 inches of precipitation. Darker green regions in northern and east-central Wisconsin indicate 0.1 to 0.25 inches. Southeastern Wisconsin around Madison and Milwaukee is shaded white, indicating zero precipitation. A color key at the bottom defines precipitation tiers from 0 up to 20 inches. Source: National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, last updated October 2, 2026.
- When? – Rain chances are highest on Saturday (10/3) and Sunday (10/4), primarily across the north.
- Where? – Across Wisconsin, precipitation totals are currently forecasted to be relatively low for early October.
- Average precip (1991-2020) for this week: 0.77”.
8-14 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
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Map titled 8–14 Day Precipitation Outlook for October 9–15, 2026, from Drought.gov. The map shows Wisconsin divided into two probability zones. A tan band covering the southwestern half of the state, including Minneapolis and Madison, indicates a 33 to 40 percent probability of below-normal precipitation. The northeastern half of the state, including Superior, Green Bay, and Milwaukee, is shaded grey, indicating near-normal conditions. Color scales at the bottom define probabilities for below-normal, above-normal, and near-normal conditions. Source: Climate Prediction Center, last updated October 1, 2026.
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Map titled 8–14 Day Temperature Outlook for October 9–15, 2026, from Drought.gov. Entire state of Wisconsin, including Minneapolis, Madison, and Milwaukee, is shaded in light orange, indicating a 40 to 50 percent probability of above-normal temperatures. A small region along the far western border shows a slightly darker orange band representing a 50 to 60 percent probability of above-normal temperatures. Color legend below details scales for below-normal, above-normal, and near-normal temperatures. Source: Climate Prediction Center, last updated October 1, 2026.
- Mid-October: Temperatures are leaning above normal statewide (40-50% odds), with precipitation leaning below normal statewide. Chances for below-normal precipitation are higher in the south and west (40-50%).
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for October 8-14 are 48.9°F and 0.72”.
30 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
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Map titled Monthly Precipitation Outlook for October 1–31, 2026, published by Drought.gov. Map displays Wisconsin and neighboring Midwestern states with a tan region covering northwestern and western Wisconsin, indicating a 33 to 40 percent probability of below-normal precipitation. The remaining eastern and southern portions of Wisconsin are unshaded white, representing equal chances or near-normal precipitation levels. Legends at bottom outline probability bands for below-normal, above-normal, and near-normal precipitation. Source: Climate Prediction Center, last updated September 30, 2026.
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Map titled Monthly Temperature Outlook for October 1–31, 2026, from Drought.gov. Northwestern Wisconsin and regions directly west are shaded in orange, showing a 40 to 50 percent probability of above-normal temperatures. The rest of central, eastern, and southern Wisconsin is shaded pale yellow, indicating a 33 to 40 percent probability of above-normal temperatures. Legend defines probability ranges for below-normal, above-normal, and near-normal temperatures. Source: Climate Prediction Center, last updated September 30, 2026.
- October: Temperatures are leaning above normal across the western half of Wisconsin (33-40% odds). Precipitation is leaning below normal across the central and northern counties (33-50% odds).
- In October, overnight lows will start dropping below freezing across Wisconsin. Use the MRCC freeze date tool to explore when your county’s average first fall freeze occurs.
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for October 1-31 are 46.8°F and 3.01”.
90 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
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Map titled Seasonal (3-Month) Precipitation Outlook for October 1–December 31, 2026, from Drought.gov. The map covers Wisconsin and surrounding Great Lakes regions. Wisconsin itself is unshaded white, indicating equal chances for above, below, or near-normal precipitation. A small light tan area in northern Lake Michigan and Upper Michigan indicates a 33 to 40 percent probability of below-normal precipitation, while a light green area in southwest Iowa indicates a 33 to 40 percent probability of above-normal precipitation. Legends define color percentages for precipitation tendencies. Source: Climate Prediction Center, last updated September 17, 2026.
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Map titled Seasonal (3-Month) Temperature Outlook for October 1–December 31, 2026, from Drought.gov. The map shows the entire state of Wisconsin and surrounding Great Lakes states covered in uniform light orange shading, indicating a 40 to 50 percent probability of above-normal temperatures across the region. A small area in extreme western Minnesota displays a slightly darker orange band indicating 50 to 60 percent probability. Color keys at the bottom outline scales for below-normal, above-normal, and near-normal conditions. Source: Climate Prediction Center, last updated September 17, 2026.
- Oct-Dec: Across all of Wisconsin, temperatures are showing an above-normal lean (40-50% odds), with precipitation uncertain with “equal chances”.
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for Oct-Dec are 33.9°F and 6.52”.
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