Weather

At least two people in southeast Wisconsin fell through the ice and had to be rescued last weekend.

Wisconsinites can expect wind chills as low as -20 through -30 degrees Fahrenheit this week.

Joseph Moore, the warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Duluth, spoke with WPR’s Robin Washington on “Morning Edition” about how to best determine if ice is safe to venture on, as well as preparing for an emergency if it isn’t.

Wisconsin has seen around 250 more wildfires this year than the average for the last decade as the state faces high fire danger due to dry, warm weather.

Harvest is at least two weeks ahead of schedule in the western Wisconsin counties of Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire.

Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin state climatologist, said temperatures are due to both a warming climate and an unusual circulation pattern

Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding and damage across the southeast. The death toll passed 180 Wednesday, according to a report from CNN.

The warm September air comes at a time when farmers are finishing up the harvest, getting ready for winter and re-examining their approach to weed management. Farmers are using newer technologies, such as electricity, to better control weeds.

Wisconsin businesses suffering due to below average snowfall would be eligible for federal disaster relief under a bill introduced by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Sullivan office said the temperatures are so high because of a ridge or core of warmer air flowing from the south.