The less-than-normal snowfall so far has made the usual Wisconsin winter unusually easy to manage this time around, but there’s a drawback. Not only has it been a bad year for recreation like snowmobiling and skiing; the lack of snow is a sign of an ongoing drought that’s been around for nearly a year, and after easing here last autumn, it’s getting worse once again.
The National Weather Service says that the long-standing severe drought in Kenosha, Racine, and parts of Milwaukee and Walworth Counties continues, while Sheboygan County is back in an “abnormally dry” situation. About 85% of Wisconsin is abnormally dry, considered to be a condition that’s typical with the onset of drought. Such dryness has little impact this time of year, but could be more important once the growing season begins in spring when crops need deeper moisture to set their roots.
The outlook for the next 60 days does show a slightly higher chance for above-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures across much of the Midwest. And while a substantial snowfall might be a short-term problem for many, the long-term gains would be welcome by many others…farmers and snow enthusiasts alike.
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