Drought — Oneida, Wisconsin

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

Event narrative

Drought that developed last summer continued through the winter across Oneida County. At the beginning of the month, Severe Drought (D2) encompassed all but the northeast corner of the county, with Moderate Drought (D1) designated over the remainder of the county. By the 20th, Severe Drought (D2) expanded northeast to include all but the very far northeast portion of the county. 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 Rhinelander, the maximum snow depth reported during the month was only 5 inches. There was only one significant snowfall during the month from the 14th into the 15th, which accounted for 81 percent of the monthly snowfall total. For nearly half 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 0.38 inches, which was 0.84 inches below normal, or 33 percent of normal. The snowfall total for the month was only 6.8 inches, which was 7.0 inches below normal, or 49 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 1162331. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.