Weather
Upper Michigan Wildfire Concerns Rise After 5th-Warmest October
Marquette, MI – Michigan's Upper Peninsula is emerging from an exceptionally warm and dry October, with new National Weather Service data revealing one of the warmest Octobers on record at its Negaune
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-11-03T16:17:33.968Z
Marquette, MI – Michigan's Upper Peninsula is emerging from an exceptionally warm and dry October, with new National Weather Service data revealing one of the warmest Octobers on record at its Negaunee Township office , alongside severe drought conditions and a significant wildfire outbreak.
According to the National Weather Service NWS in Marquette, October 2026 ranked as the fifth warmest October on record at its Negaunee Township observing location, where temperatures averaged 49.9 degrees.
That figure was 6.4 degrees above the historical October average of 43.5 degrees, based on climate records dating to 1960.
The unusually warm conditions extended across much of the Upper Peninsula, with regional climate maps showing widespread above normal temperatures throughout October.
Rainfall was also notably limited.
The NWS Marquette office measured just 2.90 inches of precipitation during October, compared with the normal monthly total of 4.04 inches.
That represents a deficit of 1.14 inches, placing October 2026 as the 24th driest October in the office's historical record.
The combination of unusually high temperatures, limited rainfall and persistent drought contributed to dangerous wildfire conditions.
Weather officials reported that hot, dry and windy weather, combined with severe drought, resulted in a wildfire outbreak during the weekend of Oct. 10 11.
The outbreak highlighted how quickly fire conditions can deteriorate when dry vegetation and strong winds occur together.
Although October has ended, the latest climate review underscores the significance of the dry conditions across Upper Michigan.
Residents should continue monitoring official weather forecasts and local fire restrictions, particularly in areas where drought conditions persist.
The National Weather Service released its October climate summary Tuesday morning, Nov. 3, documenting the exceptional warmth, precipitation shortages and wildfire activity that defined the month.