National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Key Points:

  • Above normal precipitation (rain/melted snow) and a few periods of snowmelt over the past month have resulted in improving drought conditions across northeast WI. 

  • The area of Severe Drought (D2) is now confined to southeast Forest and northwest Marinette counties.

  • Except for portions of central WI and over northern Vilas County, the remainder of the area remains in Abnormally Dry (D0) or Moderate Drought (D1) due to long term precipitation deficits. 

  • Despite some rainfall during the past month, most of the rain ran off due to frozen ground.  

Discussion:

Below normal rainfall was first noted in August and continued into September across portions of northeast Wisconsin. The dryness increased in magnitude in October, with many locations recording less than 75% of normal precipitation for the month. During November, precipitation totals were less than 50%  of normal across the entire area. The dry conditions led to two large grass/marsh fires. Despite above normal snowfall in December, the low water content of the snow combined with air and ground temperatures below freezing has prevented the moisture from entering the soil. Above normal precipitation (rain/melted snow) in January has led to improvement in drought conditions across north-central and northeast WI.    

View the latest Drought Information Slides and Drought Text Statement for northeast Wisconsin for more detailed information. Drought statements for other areas here.

 

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