U.S. Drought Monitor map as of July 6, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Despite the rain on Wednesday, more of Wisconsin has moved into drought conditions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map shows 92.8% of the state in drought conditions. The map is updated every Thursday.
Since the previous update, a section of the state around Madison has moved into the “extreme drought” category. A swath covering parts of Shawano, Menominee, Oconto and Marinette moved from “abnormally dry” last week to “moderate drought” this week.
Except for small slices in southern Oconto, eastern Shawano and northern Door counties, all of Northeast Wisconsin is in the “moderate drought” category.
Some areas of Northeast Wisconsin got a bit of relief on Wednesday. Pound, in Marinette County, reported 2.85 inches. Some areas along the Lakeshore also saw more rain, with Cleveland, in Manitowoc County, reporting 1.78 inches. Fond du Lac reported 1.36 inches, but Oshkosh and Green Bay both received only about a tenth of an inch.
Farmers say that crops are under stress from the recent hot, dry weather, but there is still time to salvage a decent corn harvest.
Meteorologists are forecasting a slight chance of rain Saturday afternoon, with more rain in the forecast next Monday and Tuesday.
Comments