Drought — Lincoln, Wisconsin

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

Event narrative

Drought that developed last summer continued through the winter across Lincoln County. During the month, Severe Drought (D2) encompassed the northeast quarter of the county, while the remainder of the county was designated in Moderate Drought (D1). February went down in the record books as very mild with below normal precipitation and snowfall, which resulted in an unusually lower than normal snowpack. At Merrill, the maximum snow depth reported during the month was only 4 inches. There was only one significant snowfall during the month from the 14th into the 15th, which accounted for 87 percent of the monthly snowfall total. Over two-thirds of the month the observer only recorded a trace or zero for the snow depth on the daily observation form. The monthly precipitation total was 0.44 inches, which was 0.62 inches below normal, or 42 percent of normal. The snowfall total for the month was only 5.4 inches, which was 6.2 inches below normal, or 47 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 1162325. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.