Drought in Lincoln, Wisconsin

Precipitation totals at Merrill for the fall (Sep-Nov) were only 50% of normal. In January, a significant storm brought nearly an inch of rain and a little snow to the county on the 8th into the 9th. The heavy precipitation brought an end to the Severe Drought (D2) across the eastern half of the county on the January 13th Drought Monitor. For the month, Merrill received 1.93 inches of rain and melted snow, or 162% of normal. By the end of the month, the eastern two-thirds of the county was 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.