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 across the north were 1-3°F below normal last week. Elsewhere, temperatures were seasonal (with 1°F of normal).
- The southern half of the state received 2” or more of rain last week, with localized areas receiving over 4”. Northern counties were drier than the south, with totals of 1” or less.
Impact
- For Wisconet stations included in the chart and table, all stations saw gains in soil moisture at the 4”, 8”, and 20” depth. Most stations received between 2-4” last week.
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate that dryness improved across most of the state. However, far northern counties remain much drier than normal for late September.
- Drought (D1-D4) coverage in Wisconsin decreased by 5%, all in the southern half of the state. Exceptional (D4) drought was added in Bayfield, Douglas, Ashland, and Iron Counties (2.8% state coverage).
- Heavy rains last week reduced the number of days suitable for fieldwork, but corn silage harvest still crossed the 50% complete mark. Most of the state’s corn crop has dented, and nearly half of the state’s soybeans are dropping leaves.
Outlook
- Rain chances over the next 7 days are highest on Tuesday (9/29) and Wednesday (9/30). Be sure to check your local forecast for updates on timing and totals.
- Early October temperatures are leaning towards near normal statewide, and precipitation shows a slight lean towards above normal (33-40% odds).
- The outlook for October, and 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. Much needed rainfall this week was too late for most row crops. Pockets of drought-stressed crops are scattered throughout Wisconsin, especially in the northern regions of the state, with silage harvest beginning early due to low moisture and/or disease pressure.
- 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. 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.
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.
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
- Pest and disease management for next season starts this fall with residue management. Residue management options include removing or tilling in residue to accelerate breakdown. 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.
- 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.
- Fall is a great time to test your soil. Labs are often overwhelmed with samples in the spring, so it can take longer to get your results plus getting results now gives you more time to buy and apply necessary amendments.
- Sampling soils for testing guidelines
- DATCP certified soil testing labs
Vegetable Considerations – Disease
- Xanthomonas leaf spot vs black rot in brassicas
- XLS is similar to brassica black rot but unlike black rot, it does not become systemic. It causes leaf spots but does not enter vascular tissue. XLS is also prefers cooler temperatures compared to black rot which prefers temperatures around 80°F.
- Symptoms are small circular lesions on leaves that are tan to dark brown in color and often surrounded by a yellow halo. Spots can appear oily or water soaked on the underside of leaves. As the disease progresses, dark oval shaped spots may form on the petiole.
- For comparison, black rot often starts as v shaped lesions that move in from the leaf margins. As the disease progresses, vascular tissue of leaves may appear black when leaves are held up to the light.
- Since XLS is not systemic, removing infected leaves can reduce the spread. Other management options include avoiding working in plants when wet and spraying with copper if you catch the disease early.
- Thank you to Dan Fillius of Iowa State Extension for sharing great information on this disease
- Basil downy mildew was detected in Iowa over the last week. While the water mold that causes downy mildew prefers warm and humid conditions, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 59°F. Infection starts as yellow areas on leaves restricted by veins. As it progresses, the whole leaf will turn yellow, irregular black spots will form, and under humid conditions fluffy, grey spores grow on the underside of leaves. The spores are produced over night so the best time to inspect plants is in the morning. If your basil is infected with downy mildew, remove and destory infected plants ASAP. Some considerations for next year include growing less susceptible varieties (unfortunately Genovese is highly susceptible), using fans and increasing ventilation if growing in a tunnel, and checking with your seed dealer about whether seed has been tested for downy mildew or if the company can steam treat seeds for you. This article from Cornell can help with your diagnosis as they address common conditions that resemble downy mildew.
- If you are brassicas are infected with black rot, they are not necessarily unsaleable. A few things to keep in mind: 1) knives used during harvest can spread disease throughout the field. Harvest in disease-free areas first, sanitize knives & harvest equipment, and ensure people wash their hands to reduce the spread. Also, stay out of wet fields as much as possible (although this past week that has been nearly impossible). 2) storage cabbage that is infected and still saleable should be sold ASAP. It will not store well.
- 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.
- 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.
Vegetable Considerations – Insects
- Cabbage aphid populations can increase quickly especially on long season crops such as Brussel sprouts. Their populations grow more quickly at 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
Image Description ↓
Regional radar-estimated rainfall map for Wisconsin covering September 15, 2026, to September 22, 2026. Northern Wisconsin received light rainfall between 0.01 and 0.5 inches, depicted in light blue and dark blue. Central Wisconsin received between 0.5 and 3 inches, shown in green and yellow. Southwestern Wisconsin and border areas near Dubuque recorded the highest precipitation, ranging from 4 to over 6 inches, shown in orange and red.
Image Description ↓
A map titled Accumulated Precipitation: Percent of 1991-2020 Normals for September 16, 2026, to September 22, 2026, created by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. The map of Wisconsin shows a gradient of precipitation percentages across counties. Northern Wisconsin shows lower percentages ranging from 0 percent to 50 percent of normal, represented in dark red, orange, and yellow. Central Wisconsin shows percentages ranging from 90 percent to 150 percent of normal in gray and light green. Southern Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, shows higher percentages ranging from 200 percent to over 700 percent of normal, represented in dark green, dark blue, and purple. The map notes source data from PRISM Weather Data and NCEI Normals, generated on Thu Sep 24, 2026, 10:47:11 EDT.
- Most of the southern half of the state received 2” or more of rain last week. In the far south and southwest, totals of 4” or more were common (≥400% of normal).
- Northern counties were drier than the south, with totals of 1” or less (≤90% of normal). Totals closer to Lake Superior were commonly less than 0.25”.
- Highest Wisconet station total from last week: 5.74” (Soldiers Grove, Crawford County). Totals in Crawford County were as high as 400-600% of normal.
30 Day Precipitation Total and Departure from Normals
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Map of Wisconsin illustrating total accumulated precipitation in inches from August 23, 2026, to September 21, 2026. The northern border and upper portion of the state recorded between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain, shown in dark green. The central and southern regions received higher totals, generally ranging from 3 to 6 inches, shown in dark blue and light blue. Scattered areas in central and southwestern Wisconsin received between 8 and 10 inches of rainfall, marked in purple.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing 30-day accumulated precipitation as a percentage of 1991-2020 normals from August 23, 2026, to September 21, 2026. Northern Wisconsin experienced below-normal precipitation, ranging from 30 to 75 percent of normal shown in yellow and orange, with the far north coast dipping into 20 to 30 percent. Central and southern regions, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, received above-normal precipitation ranging from 110 to over 200 percent of normal, depicted in shades of green.
- 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
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin displaying total accumulated precipitation in inches from June 24, 2026, to September 21, 2026. Northern Wisconsin accumulated between 2 and 5 inches of precipitation, depicted in dark green. Moving southward toward Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, total rainfall ranged higher, generally between 7.5 and 15 inches, shown in medium blue and light blue.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin depicting 90-day accumulated precipitation as a percentage of 1991-2020 normals from June 24, 2026, to September 21, 2026. Northern counties, including the area north of Eau Claire, received below-normal precipitation ranging from 30 to 75 percent of normal, represented in yellow and light orange. Southern counties, including Madison and Milwaukee, were mostly near or above normal, ranging from 90 to 150 percent of normal, shown in grey and light green.
- 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 (75-150%).
- Northern counties were the driest, with most locations receiving totals that were at or below 75% of normal.
2026 Precipitation
Image Description ↓
A precipitation map titled Accumulated Precipitation (in) January 01, 2026 to September 21, 2026, produced by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. The map of Wisconsin displays total rainfall gradient across counties in inches. Northern Wisconsin received the lowest precipitation totals between 16 and 22 inches, represented in yellow and light orange tones. Central Wisconsin received between 22 and 28 inches, shown in light green. Southern Wisconsin, including regions around Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, received higher totals ranging from 28 to 37 inches in dark green and teal. Pockets in far southwestern and southern border counties reached 37 to 43 inches, shown in blue and purple shades. Source noted as PRISM Weather Data, generated Thu Sep 24, 2026 11:32:13 EDT.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing year-to-date accumulated precipitation departure from 1991-2020 normals between January 1, 2026, and September 21, 2026. Northern counties, including areas north of Eau Claire, show a deficit of 2 to 8 inches below normal, shaded in yellow and brown. Central and southern areas, including Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, show a surplus of 2 to 12 inches above normal, depicted in green and teal.
Soil Moisture and Temperature Trends
Soil Moisture Models
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing NASA SPoRT-LIS soil moisture percentiles at 0-to-100-centimeter depth valid September 21, 2026. The far northern region retains severe dry conditions in the 0 to 2nd percentile range, shaded dark brown. Central and southern Wisconsin show improved moisture levels compared to the previous week, moving primarily into the 20th to 70th percentile range, represented in yellow and light grey.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing NASA SPoRT-LIS soil moisture percentiles at 0-to-100-centimeter depth valid September 14, 2026. The northern half of the state shows extremely dry conditions in the 0 to 5th percentile range, shaded in dark brown and red. Central and southern areas display variable conditions, mostly in the 5th to 30th percentile range shown in orange and yellow, with isolated patches of higher moisture near Madison and Milwaukee.
- Satellite-based soil moisture estimates indicate that dryness improved across most of the state, except for the far north (similar conditions).
- Near normal soil moisture conditions are common across the east and south.
- Far northern counties remain much drier than normal for late 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
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin displaying Wisconet station data for plant available water at a 4-inch depth. Measurements across northern Wisconsin generally show low values between 0.00 and 0.35 inches, represented by dark brown and light brown circles. Central and southern Wisconsin show higher moisture levels, with numerous stations near Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, Appleton, and Milwaukee recording values between 0.75 and 1.15 inches, indicated by blue circles.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin displaying Wisconet station data for plant available water at an 8-inch depth. Stations in the northern region record low moisture values ranging from 0.02 to 0.50 inches, marked in dark and light brown. Stations across the central, western, and southern regions show substantially higher moisture levels, with many sites near Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, Green Bay, and Milwaukee reaching between 1.25 and 2.26 inches, indicated in blue.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing Wisconet station measurements of plant available water at a 20-inch depth. Northern stations continue to reflect dry subsoil conditions with values mostly between 0.02 and 1.00 inches, shown in brown. Central and southern regions display significantly higher deep soil moisture reserves, with values at many stations near Eau Claire, Madison, Milwaukee, and Janesville ranging between 3.00 and 5.29 inches, represented by bright blue icons.
- For Wisconet stations included in the chart and table, all stations saw gains in soil moisture at the 4”, 8”, and 20” depth. Most stations received between 2-4” last week.
- 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 21st.
- The table (below) shows total precipitation and changes in plant available water from September 14th (Start) to September 21st (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 | 2.26 | 0.60 | 0.84 | 1.37 | 1.62 | 3.69 | 3.94 |
| Brillion | Calumet | 2.18 | 0.31 | 0.76 | 0.98 | 1.61 | 3.67 | 4.29 |
| Hancock | Waushara | 2.59 | 0.00 | 0.07 | 0.03 | 0.22 | 0.05 | 0.42 |
| Lancaster | Grant | 3.62 | 0.70 | 1.07 | 1.49 | 2.13 | 4.59 | 5.23 |
| Marshfield | Marathon | 1.22 | 0.90 | 1.14 | 2.01 | 2.26 | 5.04 | 5.29 |
| Osseo | Trempealeau | 2.43 | 0.45 | 1.00 | 0.86 | 1.99 | 3.06 | 5.03 |
| Porter | Rock | 3.21 | 0.76 | 1.00 | 1.63 | 2.00 | 4.51 | 4.88 |
| Rice Lake | Barron | 0.52 | 0.13 | 0.32 | 0.42 | 0.74 | 1.08 | 1.41 |
| River Falls | Pierce | 1.35 | 0.00 | 0.40 | 0.00 | 1.09 | 0.00 | 1.09 |
| Suring | Oconto | 1.08 | 0.19 | 0.51 | 0.37 | 0.85 | 0.37 | 0.85 |
| Walworth | Walworth | 3.95 | 0.92 | 1.08 | 1.88 | 2.11 | 4.90 | 5.13 |
| Wisconet Station | Current 4″ Soil Moisture | Last Week’s 4″ Soil Moisture | 1 Month Ago 4″ Soil Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | 0.84 | 0.60 | 0.74 |
| Brillion | 0.76 | 0.31 | 0.04 |
| Hancock | 0.07 | 0.00 | 0.01 |
| Lancaster | 1.07 | 0.70 | 0.75 |
| Marshfield | 1.14 | 0.90 | 0.67 |
| Osseo | 1.00 | 0.45 | 0.23 |
| Porter | 1.00 | 0.76 | 0.89 |
| Rice Lake | 0.32 | 0.13 | 0.00 |
| River Falls | 0.40 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Suring | 0.51 | 0.19 | 0.01 |
| Walworth | 1.08 | 0.92 | 0.96 |
USDA Soil Moisture Reports
Image Description ↓
A USDA map titled Topsoil Moisture Percent Adequate for the Week Ending September 20, 2026. Each state displays percent adequate topsoil moisture and weekly change in brackets. Wisconsin displays 62 percent adequate with an 18 point decrease from last week. Minnesota displays 63 percent (+5), Iowa displays 68 percent (-12), Illinois displays 55 percent (-3), Indiana displays 61 percent (-6), Michigan displays 62 percent (-18), Ohio displays 60 percent (-14), and Missouri displays 59 percent (+4). High topsoil moisture adequacy appears across the Northeast, including New York at 92 percent (-1) and Pennsylvania at 89 percent (-3). The lowest topsoil moisture values occur in Nevada at 10 percent (-5), Louisiana at 11 percent (-9), Texas at 10 percent (-3), New Mexico at 18 percent (+5), and Wyoming at 18 percent (+4). The 48 States overall total shows Adequate at 46 percent with 0 change from last week.
Image Description ↓
A USDA map titled Subsoil Moisture Percent Adequate for the Week Ending September 20, 2026. The map shows the percentage of subsoil moisture rated adequate in each state along with weekly change in brackets. Wisconsin shows 58 percent adequate with an 11 point drop from last week. Minnesota reports 63 percent (+1), Iowa reports 69 percent (-4), Illinois reports 58 percent (+2), Indiana reports 63 percent (-5), Michigan reports 58 percent (-11), Ohio reports 74 percent (-4), and Missouri reports 58 percent (+6). High adequate subsoil moisture levels appear in the Northeast, including New York at 93 percent (-2) and Pennsylvania at 89 percent (-3). Lowest percentages appear in New Mexico at 1 percent (-9), Texas at 11 percent (-5), Oklahoma at 16 percent (-2), and Wyoming at 15 percent (0). The 48 States overall total lists Adequate at 44 percent with 0 change from last week.
- 63% of agricultural soils in the state are reported as having adequate topsoil and subsoil moisture, an increase from the previous week.
- 26% and 31% of agricultural soils in the state are reported as having short to very short topsoil and subsoil moisture, respectively. These are decreased values from last week’s report.
Wisconet Soil Temperature
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing soil temperatures at a 4-inch depth across Wisconet monitoring stations. Northern stations record cooler temperatures generally ranging from 55.8 to 58.5 degrees Fahrenheit, marked in light green circles. Central and southern stations record warmer temperatures mostly between 60.0 and 65.7 degrees Fahrenheit, represented by yellow-green circles.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing soil temperatures at an 8-inch depth across Wisconet monitoring stations. Values in northern counties range from 56.8 to 59.5 degrees Fahrenheit, shaded light green. Across central and southern Wisconsin, including stations near Eau Claire, Madison, and Milwaukee, temperatures range slightly warmer, mostly between 60.1 and 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit, depicted in yellow-green circles.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin illustrating soil temperatures at a 20-inch depth across Wisconet stations. Deep soil temperatures in northern regions average between 58.1 and 61.0 degrees Fahrenheit, shown in light green circles. Central and southern regions show consistent temperatures ranging primarily between 61.0 and 67.1 degrees Fahrenheit, shown in yellow-green circles.
- The maps show daily average Wisconet soil temperature conditions on September 21st.
U.S. Drought Monitor
Image Description ↓
A regional map and data table titled U.S. Drought Monitor Midwest released September 24, 2026, valid September 22, 2026 at 8 a.m. EDT. The map outlines drought conditions across Midwestern states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Severe to extreme drought concentrated in northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin is shaded in dark orange and red. Moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions cover central and southern parts of the region in tan and yellow, while large portions of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky have no drought detected. A data table lists current percent area conditions: None at 54.08, D0-D4 abnormally dry at 45.92, D1-D4 moderate drought at 24.21, D2-D4 severe drought at 13.52, D3-D4 extreme drought at 4.15, and D4 exceptional drought at 0.31. Historical comparisons for last week, 3 months ago, start of calendar year, start of water year, and one year ago are provided. Author credit goes to David Mocko, NASA/GSFC/SSAI, with agency logos for USDA, NDMC, NOAA, and NASA.
Compared to last week:
- Midwest: Drought (D1-D4) coverage decreased by 1% from last week’s report. Most of the 1 class improvements came in southern WI, northern IL, southern MN, and northern MO. However, exceptional (D4) drought is now in northern WI.
- 75.8% of the Midwest region is drought free (~24.2% in D1-D4).
Image Description ↓
A state map and data table titled U.S. Drought Monitor Wisconsin released September 24, 2026, valid September 22, 2026 at 8 a.m. EDT. The map shows northern Wisconsin facing the highest drought severity, with far northern counties shaded in dark red and maroon indicating D3 Extreme Drought and D4 Exceptional Drought. A broad band of D2 Severe Drought in orange spans across northern and west-central counties. Central and east-central Wisconsin are shaded in tan and yellow for D1 Moderate Drought and D0 Abnormally Dry. Southern Wisconsin counties are mostly white, indicating no drought conditions. The summary table lists current drought percentages for the state: None at 32.94 percent, D0-D4 at 67.06 percent, D1-D4 at 51.43 percent, D2-D4 at 44.08 percent, D3-D4 at 18.10 percent, and D4 at 2.80 percent. Author credit goes to David Mocko, NASA/GSFC/SSAI.
- Wisconsin: Drought (D1-D4) coverage decreased by 5%, all in the southern half of the state.
Image Description ↓
A map titled U.S. Drought Monitor Class Change – Wisconsin 1 Week, comparing September 22, 2026 to September 15, 2026. The majority of the state, including western, central, and northern counties, is shaded in gray indicating No Change. A light green band spanning southern and southwest-central Wisconsin indicates a 1 Class Improvement in drought conditions. Small yellow patches along the far northern border and north-central area indicate a 1 Class Degradation. The legend on the lower right defines categories ranging from 5 Class Degradation to 5 Class Improvement, published by the National Drought Mitigation Center at droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
- Exceptional (D4) drought was added in Bayfield, Douglas, Ashland, and Iron Counties (2.8% state coverage).
U.S. Drought Monitor Time Series
Image Description ↓
A line graph titled Wisconsin Drought Time Series (USDM) plotting percent of state in drought categories on the vertical axis from 0 to 100 percent against dates on the horizontal axis from 4/28/26 to 9/22/26. The D0-D4 line in yellow spikes sharply in late May from under 5 percent to around 90 percent in early June, fluctuating between 60 and 95 percent through September before dropping to around 67 percent on 9/22/26. The D1-D4 line in light orange climbs in late July to peak near 72 percent in mid-August before declining to around 51 percent on 9/22/26. The D2-D4 line in dark orange climbs steadily from late July to around 44 percent by mid-September. The D3-D4 line in red begins rising in mid-August, reaching around 18 percent in September. The D4 line in dark brown appears near 0 percent until mid-September, ending at 2.8 percent on 9/22/26.
- D0 coverage = 67.1%; D1 coverage = 51.4%; D2 coverage = 44.1%; D3 coverage = 18.1%; D4 coverage = 2.8%
Temperature Trends
7 Day Temperatures
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin showing 7-day average temperatures from September 15, 2026, to September 21, 2026. The northern two-thirds of the state, including Eau Claire and Green Bay, average between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, are shown in light green. The southern third, including Madison and Milwaukee, averages between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, depicted in light yellow.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin displaying temperature departure from normal between September 15, 2026, and September 21, 2026, using PRISM weather data. Most of the central and northern areas, including Eau Claire and Green Bay, show temperatures 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit below normal, indicated by light blue shading. Small areas in the far north are up to 6 degrees below normal. Southern regions, including Madison and Milwaukee, show neutral conditions (0 degrees departure) with pockets up to 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit above normal highlighted in light yellow.
- Average temperatures ranged from the low 60s in the south to the low 50s in the far north.
- Temperatures across the north were 1-3°F below normal. Elsewhere, temperatures were seasonal (with 1°F of normal).
30 Day Temperatures
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Map of Wisconsin illustrating 30-day average temperatures from August 23, 2026, to September 21, 2026. Northern regions average between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, shaded in light yellow green. Central and southern areas, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, average between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, shaded in bright yellow.
Image Description ↓
Map of Wisconsin displaying 30-day temperature departures from normal between August 23, 2026, and September 21, 2026. Across nearly the entire state, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, represented by light yellow-gold shading. Scattered small pockets show departures of 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F)
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Map of Wisconsin showing accumulated Growing Degree Days base 50 degrees Fahrenheit from May 1, 2026, to September 21, 2026. Values range from under 1,650 in the northernmost counties (purple and dark blue) up through 2,050–2,250 around Eau Claire and Green Bay (cyan and green), reaching 2,550 to over 2,860 in southern counties around Madison and Milwaukee (yellow, orange, and red).
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Map of Wisconsin showing accumulated Growing Degree Days base 50 degrees Fahrenheit from May 15, 2026, to September 21, 2026. Values range from under 1,650 in the northern tip (purple/blue), rising to 1,930–2,220 across central areas near Eau Claire and Green Bay (teal and green), and peaking between 2,510 and over 2,800 across southern borders near Madison and Milwaukee (yellow, orange, and red).
- Starting May 1 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 2860 GDD in the far south and west to 1950 GDD in the far north. These values are 110-115% of normal.
- Starting May 15 – Growing degree day accumulation ranges from 2800 GDD in the far south and west to 1930 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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A USDA map titled Corn Conditions Percent Good to Excellent, dated September 20, 2026. Individual state values display top numbers as percent good to excellent and bottom numbers in brackets as change from last week. North Carolina shows 88 percent with a 5 point drop. Kentucky shows 81 percent with a 1 point gain. Tennessee shows 77 percent with no change. Illinois shows 76 percent with no change. Indiana shows 61 percent with no change. Ohio shows 69 percent with a 1 point gain. Iowa shows 57 percent with a 1 point drop. Missouri shows 68 percent with a 3 point gain. Minnesota shows 60 percent with a 3 point gain. Wisconsin shows 61 percent with no change. Michigan shows 55 percent with a 10 point drop. South Dakota shows 35 percent with a 1 point drop. North Dakota shows 27 percent with a 5 point gain. Nebraska shows 52 percent with a 3 point drop. Kansas and Colorado show 40 percent. Texas shows 35 percent with no change. Pennsylvania shows 14 percent with no change. The National Condition panel shows Good to Excellent at 57 percent, with 0 change from last week.
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A USDA map titled Corn Progress Percent Mature, dated September 20, 2026. Top numbers indicate state percent mature and bottom numbers in brackets indicate change from the 5-year average. North Carolina shows 93 percent (+1). Tennessee shows 92 percent (+7). Texas shows 89 percent (-1). Kentucky shows 88 percent (+12). Kansas shows 86 percent (+14). Missouri shows 79 percent (+3). Iowa shows 69 percent (+6). Minnesota shows 64 percent (+16). Nebraska shows 56 percent (-2). South Dakota shows 56 percent (+12). Illinois shows 46 percent (-3). North Dakota shows 46 percent (+18). Wisconsin shows 38 percent (+5). Ohio shows 32 percent (-11). Pennsylvania shows 24 percent (+3). Colorado shows 12 percent (-16). Michigan shows 10 percent (-24). The National Progress panel lists Mature at 58 percent, a change of +3 from the 5-year average.
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A USDA map titled Soybean Conditions Percent Good to Excellent, dated September 20, 2026. Each tracked state displays the percentage of soybeans in good to excellent condition along with weekly change in brackets. Illinois leads key central states at 75 percent (+1). Indiana shows 61 percent (0), Ohio shows 65 percent (+1), Iowa shows 57 percent (0), Missouri shows 59 percent (+2), Wisconsin shows 58 percent (-1), Minnesota shows 59 percent (+2), Michigan shows 51 percent (-8), Nebraska shows 64 percent (0), South Dakota shows 42 percent (-1), North Dakota shows 33 percent (+9), Kansas shows 37 percent (-2), Arkansas shows 63 percent (-3), Mississippi shows 69 percent (0), Louisiana shows 67 percent (0), Tennessee shows 74 percent (-1), Kentucky shows 74 percent (0), and North Carolina shows 60 percent (+2). The National Condition panel shows Good to Excellent at 58 percent, with 0 change from last week.
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A USDA map titled Soybeans Progress Percent Dropping Leaves, dated September 20, 2026. Numbers represent state percentage dropping leaves and change from the 5-year average in brackets. Louisiana shows 92 percent (+10). Mississippi shows 89 percent (+13). Tennessee shows 81 percent (+27). Minnesota shows 78 percent (+25). Arkansas shows 77 percent (+17). North Dakota shows 76 percent (+10). South Dakota shows 68 percent (+4). Illinois shows 67 percent (+2). Nebraska shows 60 percent (-9). Indiana shows 59 percent (0). Kentucky shows 59 percent (+18). Kansas shows 57 percent (+11). Missouri shows 52 percent (+10). North Carolina shows 51 percent (+9). Wisconsin shows 49 percent (+4). Iowa shows 46 percent (-7). Michigan shows 45 percent (-16). Ohio shows 40 percent (-15). The National Progress panel indicates Dropping Leaves at 62 percent, a change of +4 from the 5-year average.
- Wisconsin had 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork statewide, due to some heavy rains.
- 49% of the state’s soybeans are dropping leaves.
- Corn is 85% at dent stage and 38% at maturity.
- Corn silage harvest is 54% complete.
- Corn and soybean conditions are 61% and 58% good to excellent, respectively. The soybean value is down 1% from last week’s report.
- Pasture and range were rated 42% good to excellent, down 1% from last week.
- Read the full USDA report.
Forecasts and Outlooks
7 Day Precipitation Forecast
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A map titled 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast for September 24–October 1, 2026, sourced from NOAA, NIDIS, National Weather Service, and Drought.gov. The map outlines predicted inches of precipitation across Wisconsin and surrounding areas. Most of northern, western, and central Wisconsin is shaded in light blue and purple shades representing predicted rainfall between 1.25 inches and 2.5 inches. Pockets in east-central Wisconsin show dark purple areas up to 2.5 inches. Southern Wisconsin counties surrounding Madison display bright cyan shading indicating predicted rainfall between 1.25 and 1.5 inches. Far southeastern Wisconsin along Lake Michigan near Milwaukee shows darker purple shades ranging from 1.75 to 2.0 inches.
- When? – Rain chances are highest on Tuesday (9/29) and Wednesday (9/30).
- Where? – As of Thursday (9/24), models indicate rainfall totals of 1-3” across the state.
- Check your local forecast for details on totals and timing.
- Average precip (1991-2020) for this week: 0.81”.
8-14 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
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A map titled 8–14 Day Precipitation Outlook for October 1–7, 2026, published by Drought.gov with logos for NOAA, NIDIS, and National Weather Service. The map covers the state of Wisconsin and adjacent regions. The entire state of Wisconsin is uniformly shaded in pale mint green, indicating a 33 percent to 40 percent probability of above-normal precipitation across all counties. Neighboring state regions surrounding Wisconsin also feature near-normal to light above-normal probability indicators. The map notes source data from the Climate Prediction Center, updated on September 23, 2026.
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A map titled 8–14 Day Temperature Outlook for October 1–7, 2026, published by Drought.gov in partnership with NOAA, NIDIS, and National Weather Service. The map highlights Wisconsin and neighboring states. Entire Wisconsin and its surrounding county borders are shaded solid gray, indicating near-normal temperature conditions expected across the state. A legend at the bottom confirms solid gray represents Near-Normal Conditions. Source credited to the Climate Prediction Center, last updated September 23, 2026.
- Early October: Temperatures are leaning towards near normal statewide, and precipitation shows a slight lean towards above normal (33-40% odds).
- Statewide normals (1991-2020) for October 1-7 are 51.9°F and 0.77”.
30 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook
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Map titled Monthly Precipitation Outlook for October 1–31, 2026, published by Drought.gov and Climate Prediction Center on September 17, 2026. Wisconsin and surrounding Midwest states are shaded white, indicating equal chances (EC) for below-normal, near-normal, or above-normal precipitation across the entire region. The probability legend includes categories for below-normal (33% to 100% brown), above-normal (33% to 100% teal), and near-normal (33% to 50% grey).
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Map titled Monthly Temperature Outlook for October 1–31, 2026, published by Drought.gov and Climate Prediction Center on September 17, 2026. The entire state of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and northern Michigan are shaded light yellow, indicating a 33% to 40% probability of above-normal temperatures. Areas southeast of Wisconsin show a slightly higher 40% to 50% probability shaded light orange. Legend categories cover below-normal (blue), above-normal (yellow to red), and near-normal (grey) probabilities.
- October: Across all of Wisconsin, temperatures are showing an above-normal lean (33-40% odds), with precipitation uncertain with “equal chances”.
- 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, updated September 17, 2026, by Drought.gov. Wisconsin is shaded white, denoting equal chances for above, below, or near-normal precipitation over the three-month period. A light tan band indicating a 33% to 40% probability of below-normal precipitation extends across parts of upper Michigan and Lake Huron, while a light green area indicating above-normal precipitation reaches southwestern Iowa.
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Map titled Seasonal (3-Month) Temperature Outlook for October 1–December 31, 2026, updated September 17, 2026, by Climate Prediction Center and Drought.gov. The entire state of Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Illinois, and eastern Iowa are shaded orange, representing a 40% to 50% probability of above-normal temperatures. Northwest Minnesota and the Dakotas show higher probabilities of 50% to 60% shaded in darker orange.
- 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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