View weather and climate conditions this week in Wisconsin
Here are this week’s take home points about the weather, scroll down for the full report:
Current Conditions
- Most in the state received some precip last week, but totals remained low for this time of year (0.1-0.5” for most). This is a dry end to what has been a very dry October for most in the state.
- Temps were once again above normal last week, with many stations reaching into the upper 70’s and low 80’s for weekly maximum temps.
Impact
•The area of WI in very dry soil moisture percentiles has increased from last week, following minimal precip. USDM map.
•USDM drought coverage area expanded in both D1 & D2 drought category.
•Corn & soybean harvest are running well ahead of normal pace with the dry conditions. Corn harvest is nearly done.
•Winter wheat planting is nearly complete, with 74% of the crop emerged in WI fields.
Outlook
•Statewide chances for precip well above the climatological normal predicted next week.
•The warmth looks to continue with early to Mid-November has a higher probability to be warmer than normal, with a lean toward near normal precip.
•Late fall into early 2025 is more uncertain for temperatures and precip.
•La Niña is favored to be in place by September-November (according to the CPC); less of a chance for having a colder-than-normal winter.
What does this mean for you? Here are some things to consider for your farm this week:
Crop Development
•Evaluate soil temperatures and moisture for the opportunity for cover crops after crops come off.
•Be aware that nitrogen is still mobile as soil temperatures are still above 50F in most places.
•Tools available here for cover crop selection and their use in a forage rotation.
Manure Applications
•Runoff risk is moderate to severe throughout the state in the next week. Be mindful of the possibility of runoff and plan manure applications accordingly. Check the DATCP runoff risk advisory forecast here.
•Consider the relationship between manure and cover crops, learn more here.
Forage Management
•Look out for herbicide carryover, volunteers in late summer seeding of alfalfa after wheat. Read more.
•Fall alfalfa cutting can affect persistence, read more and use our new tool to make informed decisions.
•Be mindful of prussic acid concerns in fields with standing sorghums.
