MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Most soil is very dry in Wisconsin — and this first day of April has farmers a bit anxious about starting their field work.
The U.S. Drought Monitor says part of northwest Wisconsin is in a moderate drought, roughly west of a line from Eau Claire to Superior. The rest of the state is abnormally dry except for Racine and Kenosha counties and part of Walworth County.
UW Extension agent Matt Lippert in Wood County said heavier soils are still okay, due to wet conditions from last fall. A recent lack of snow has kept some of the alfalfa uncovered, but Lippert says much of the state should be fine.
Meanwhile, the drought does not translate to a major risk for spring forest fires. The DNR says only 8 counties have high fire dangers, close to a line from La Crosse to Stevens Point. Most counties in northeast Wisconsin have low risks for wildfires. The rest of the state has moderate risks.
The National Weather Service says we’ll have a chance for our first thunderstorms of the season late Wednesday. Highs could reach the low 70’s in southern Wisconsin, but it might not hit 50 in parts of the northeast.
Rain is in the statewide forecast on and off through Thursday.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
