OUR PLACE
Where has winter gone?
With the very mild winter this season there are no outdoor skating rinks, sledding hills, or even an ice castle. The view from the plastic igloos dotted around the lake in the surrounding communities doesn’t include falling snow or a beautiful white landscape. Part of the reason for that is that 2023 was one of Earth’s hottest years on record since 1940, if not the hottest. And this record-setting warmth has been felt here, not only in southern Wisconsin but across the entire state as well. Across the state, the average temperature was 47.6 degrees, while the typical average temperature for December is 35 degrees.
Despite warmer air being able to hold more moisture than cold/cooler air we were in a drought for most of the year beginning back in spring. Wisconsin’s total precipitation from January through November has been 28.61 inches. The lack of precipitation has not only affected the farmers but also seasonal activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating. Many ski runs throughout the state have had to close due to the lack of snow and warmer temps.
What will January bring? Only time will tell. December also saw the least snowfall since the 1800’s, as no negligible snow fell for the entire month. Usually, there would be eleven inches or so.
Person of the Week
Serious, but really nice Simone at Avant Coffee and Bike store.
