With winter fast approaching, Wisconsin farmers are preparing for a season of unpredictable weather, following a warmer-than-usual winter last year. Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin’s State Climatologist, shares key insights into what the winter outlook holds.

"We’re not expecting the extreme warmth of last winter," Vavrus explains. "In fact, NOAA’s National Weather Service is forecasting an equal chance of a warm, cold, or near-normal winter. This doesn’t give us much to work with."

However, Vavrus notes that the Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin, could see a wetter-than-normal winter. "The eastern half of Wisconsin, in particular, is likely to experience above-average precipitation," he says. This could mean more snow, rain, or a combination of both, depending on how temperatures unfold.

The timing of this precipitation could be crucial for farmers. "If the soils freeze early, any rain or snow will run off. But if the freeze is delayed, moisture can infiltrate the soil, which is beneficial after this year’s drought," Vavrus adds. Currently, soils are warmer than usual, allowing rainfall and early snow to absorb more effectively.