The winter of 1968 in Wisconsin was a surprising and unusual one. Despite being known for its cold and snowy winters, this year was almost entirely snowless.

Flikr/KenMattison
Flikr/KenMattison
loading...

At the time, Wisconsin was experiencing a mild winter overall. The average temperature for December through February was 22.2 degrees Fahrenheit, which was 3.9 degrees above normal. This mild weather was due to a shift in the jet stream, which brought warmer air into the region.

Flikr/KenMattison
Flikr/KenMattison
loading...

While this may have been welcome news for those who dislike the cold, it had significant consequences for Wisconsin residents and businesses. The lack of snow meant that many winter activities, such as skiing and snowmobiling, were not possible. This had a major impact on the state's tourism industry, as these activities are a major source of revenue during the winter months.

Flikr/KenMattison
Flikr/KenMattison
loading...

In addition, the lack of snowfall had a negative impact on the state's agriculture industry. The lack of snow cover meant that the ground was not insulated, which led to freezing temperatures that damaged crops and killed livestock. This loss of crops and livestock had a ripple effect on the economy, as it led to higher prices for food and other products.

Flikr/KenMattison
Flikr/KenMattison
loading...

Despite the challenges, Wisconsin residents and businesses adapted to the unusual weather. Some ski resorts turned to artificial snow-making machines to provide enough snow for skiers. Others shifted their focus to other winter activities, such as ice skating and sledding.

attachment-15229256273_232bb96912_h
loading...

While the snowless winter of 1968 may have been unexpected and caused some difficulties, it also provided an opportunity for innovation and adaptation. Wisconsin residents and businesses showed their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity, and proved that they can weather any storm, even a snowless one.

attachment-3075381719_2b859e1cf5_b
loading...

LOOK: 25 over-the-top Christmas displays from across America

To help get everyone in the mood for the upcoming holiday season, Stacker compiled a list of some of the most over-the-top Christmas displays across America.