Drought in Oneida, Wisconsin

At the beginning of the month, Severe Drought (D2) encompassed all of Oneida County. 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, the entire county improved into the Moderate Drought (D1) category. At Rhinelander, the precipitation total for the month was 3.02 inches, which was 1.50 inches above normal or 199% of normal. The snowfall total was 14.1 inches, which was 4.0 inches above normal or 139% 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.