Drought in Lincoln, Wisconsin

At the beginning of the month, Severe Drought (D2) encompassed the northeast quarter of Lincoln County, with the remainder of the county designated in Moderate Drought (D1). Well below normal precipitation totals were observed through the 22nd. A winter storm then brought copious amounts of precipitation (rain/snow) from the 24th through the 26th, with amounts of 1.00 to 2.50 inches. On the March 26th Drought Monitor, Moderate Drought (D1) conditions were designated over the northeast half of the county with the remainder of the county designated as Abnormally Dry (D0). At Merrill, the precipitation total for the month was 2.56 inches, which was 0.81 inches above normal or 146% of normal. The snowfall total was 11.8 inches, which was 3.6 inches above normal or 164% of normal.

Drought that developed last summer continued through the winter into early spring, including a snow drought at some locations during the winter across north-central and far northeast Wisconsin. In early March, the most pronounced drought conditions were noted across Florence, much of Forest, Oneida, northwest Marinette, northeast Lincoln and the northwest third of Langlade counties. A winter storm between the 24th and 26th brought copious amounts of precipitation (rain/snow) from 1.00 to 2.50 inches resulting in improving drought conditions. The March 26th Drought Monitor indicated Severe Drought (D2) was no longer present across this area.