Green Bay, WI – Severe drought conditions have continued to intensify across northeast Wisconsin, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update released Thursday. The National Weather Service Green Bay office reports that D2-level drought has expanded significantly, driven by months of below-normal precipitation stretching back to August.
As of November 19, most of northeast Wisconsin has received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month. Some communities are seeing historically low November precipitation, including Wausau at just 6% of normal, Rhinelander at 10%, and Green Bay at 18%. Mapping from PRISM and NCEI shows broad swaths of the region with well-below-average totals, with large red and orange zones indicating the driest anomalies.
Meteorologists say the worsening situation began with dry conditions in late summer, continued through October, and has now reached a critical point heading into late fall. The ongoing lack of moisture has contributed to multiple grass and marsh fires across the region in recent weeks, further underscoring the elevated fire danger.
The latest drought classification places parts of northern Wisconsin under D1 (Moderate Drought) and D2 (Severe Drought), with adjacent areas labeled D0 (Abnormally Dry). Without substantial precipitation in the coming weeks, drought intensity may persist or worsen as the state moves into winter.
Residents are encouraged to follow local fire guidance and monitor regional updates.
