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Key Points:

  • Severe Drought (D2) continues across northeast Wisconsin with Moderate Drought (D1) over much of the rest of the area.

  • Despite above normal snowfall so far in December, the low water content of the snow combined with air and ground temperatures below freezing has prevented the moisture to enter the soil or rivers, thus little impact has been noted.   

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 50% of normal precipitation for the month. Over the first three weeks of November, precipitation has been sparse as moisture has become critically low. Over the past week, Severe Drought (D2) has developed and expanded across portions of far northeast Wisconsin, according to the latest Drought Monitor (Nov 20). Precipitation totals are running less than 50%  across the entire area, and less than 25% of normal in many spots, especially north and west of the Fox Valley. The dry conditions led to  two large grass/marsh fires. Despite above normal snowfall so far in December, the low water content of the snow combined with air and ground temperatures below freezing has prevented the moisture to enter the soil or rivers, thus little impact has been noted.   

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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