UNDATED (WSAU-Wheeler News) As of early this morning, the D-N-R said all of Wisconsin was under a “very high” risk for wildfires — even after some heavy thunderstorms rumbled through southern areas last night. Readstown in Vernon County had just over an-inch of rain. But the National Weather Service said many parts of the state only had a-tenth-to-a-quarter of an inch. That’s hardly enough to put a dent into the statewide drought conditions which have plagued the Badger State since March.
Hail of up to an inch in diameter fell late last night in parts of Sauk, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, and Jefferson counties. That was after the D-N-R issued its daily late morning update of the state’s fire danger. Officials have reported dozens of wildfires over the past couple weeks — including one on the Menominee Indian Reservation which blackened hundreds of acres since Saturday. Officials said the winds changed direction yesterday, which helped contain the blaze.
Authorities blamed a lightning strike for damaging homes in Mosinee last night — and at DeForest early today. Forecasters say more thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon and tonight in about the southern third of Wisconsin. No severe weather is predicted.
The Weather Service says a cold front will stall across north central Illinois later today — and northern Wisconsin will stay dry while the south gets late-day storms. Rain and storms are predicted in southern Wisconsin tomorrow, and statewide on Wednesday and possibly Thursday.
