Drought — Forest, Wisconsin

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

Event narrative

Drought that developed last summer continued through the winter across Forest County. At the beginning of the month, Severe Drought (D2) encompassed the southwest corner of the county and along the Forest, Florence and Marinette county line. By the 20th, Severe Drought (D2) expanded across the entire county, except across the far north and the far southeast portion of the county. February went down in the record books as unusually mild with below normal precipitation and snowfall which resulted in an unusually lower than normal snow pack. At Argonne, there was only one significant snowfall during the month from the 14th into the 15th (4.9 inches) which accounted for 80 percent of the monthly snowfall total. The observer reported the daily snow depth as a trace or zero for nearly half of the month. The monthly precipitation total at Argonne was 0.34 inches, which was 0.61 inches below normal, or 36 percent of normal. The snowfall total for the month was only 6.1 inches, which was 8.1 inches below normal, or 43 percent of normal.

Wider weather episode

Drought that developed last summer continued through the winter, including a snow drought at some locations across north-central and far northeast Wisconsin. The most pronounced drought conditions were noted across the southwest corner of Forest, northern Langlade, Lincoln, much of Oneida, and far western Vilas counties, where Severe Drought (D2) was reported. Moderate Drought (D1) or Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions were noted over the remainder of the area. The drought led to well below normal snowfall and snow pack, which negatively impacted the winter tourism industry across north-central and northeast Wisconsin.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1162311. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.