Drought in Oneida, Wisconsin

Precipitation totals at Rhinelander for the fall (Sep-Nov) were only 57% of normal. In January, above normal precipitation was reported for a second consecutive month (177% of normal). The above normal precipitation brought an end to the Severe Drought (D2) across the southeast quarter of the county on the January 13th Drought Monitor. By the end of the month, the southeast two-thirds of the county were designated in Moderate Drought (D1) with the remainder of the county in Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions due to long term precipitation deficits.

Severe Drought (D2) continued into the New Year across portions of north-central and northeast Wisconsin. A strong storm brought copious amounts of rain and some snow on the 8th and 9th. Unusually high rainfall amounts for January between 1 and 2.25 inches were recorded in a band from Wisconsin Rapids northeast through Antigo and Shawano to Marinette and Wausaukee. The heavy rain and snow brought an end to the Severe Drought (D2) conditions across many counties by the 13th.