Drought — Richland, Wisconsin

2023-12-01 · Richland, Wisconsin

Event narrative

Severe (D2) drought persisted across Richland County through December. While monthly total rainfall near 1 was near normal, the long-standing deficit of 6 to 10 resulted in the drought remaining unchanged.

Wider weather episode

Long-standing abnormally dry conditions from April 2023 through December resulted in no changes to the severe (D2) and extreme (D3) drought in parts of southwest and south-central Wisconsin through December. Total rainfall of 10 to 20 from severe drought (D2) onset in June 2023 to the beginning of December was 4 to 14 below normal. Well above normal temperatures during December, about 10 degrees above normal, perpetuated ongoing soil moisture concerns. Monthly rainfall was near 2 for parts of far southwest Wisconsin and near 1 into west-central Wisconsin. While these amounts were near normal, the ongoing abnormally dry conditions resulted in drought severity remaining unchanged through December. Broadcast media reported stunted growth and financial impacts for Christmas tree farms.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1153323. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.