Drought — Monroe, Wisconsin

2024-02-01 to 2024-02-29 · Monroe, Wisconsin

Event narrative

Less than 0.5 of total liquid precipitation fell in Monroe County through February, up to 1.0 below normal, resulting in severe (D2) drought persisting in the south.

Wider weather episode

Long-standing abnormally dry conditions from April 2023 through January 2024 continued through February 2024, persisting severe (D2) drought from southwest into central Wisconsin. From initial severe drought (D2) issuance in June 2023 to the onset of February 2024, 15 to 20 of total liquid precipitation in southwest Wisconsin was 6 to 12 below normal. Minimal storms through February provided less than 0.75 of total liquid precipitation, up to 1 below normal, perpetuating the abnormally dry conditions. Record breaking warmth, with most days 10 to 20 degrees above normal, exacerbated these concerns.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1161674. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.