Drought in Northern Marinette, Wisconsin

At the beginning of the month, Severe Drought (D2) encompassed the far northwest corner of northern Marinette County, with the rest of the northern half of the county designated in Moderate Drought (D1). The southern half of the county was designated in Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions. Conditions worsened through the 22nd as well below normal precipitation totals were observed. 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 across the entire county, except along the Oconto County border. At Marinette, the precipitation total for the month was 2.08 inches, which was 0.20 inches above normal or 111% of normal. The snowfall total was 4.7 inches, which was 2.9 inches below normal or 62% 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.