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MRCC Hazard Mitigation Plan Resource Page

MRCC Hazard Mitigation Plan Resource Page

This site provides information and resources for hazard mitigation planning in the Midwest. Select a state tab above to view state-specific all-time weather hazard records.

Midwest Resource Links

The following links may contain information pertinent to the development of hazard mitigation plans across the Midwest. In the event you need assistance navigating any of the following websites, please contact the MRCC at mrcc@purdue.edu.

FEMA Resource Links

FEMA also provides resources for hazard mitigation planning, some of which are listed below.

Illinois Hazard Mitigation Plan Resources

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Illinois.

Illinois State Climate Summary

Illinois’s location in the interior of North America and the lack of mountains to the north and south expose the state to incursions of bitterly cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Annual average temperature varies widely across the state, with a range of about 10°F from north to south. In northeastern Illinois, Lake Michigan moderates the temperature, causing cooler summers and warmer winters. Topography and urbanization also have local impacts on climate.

Statewide annual precipitation has ranged from a low of 25.5 inches in 1901 to a high of 51.2 inches in 1993. The driest multiyear periods occurred in the first half of the 20th century, and the wettest have been observed since the 1970s. The driest consecutive 5-year interval was 1952–1956, and the wettest was 2007–2011. Annual precipitation varies widely across the state, ranging from more than 50 inches in the south to less than 35 inches in the north. For annual snowfall, the pattern is reversed, with the northeastern part of the state averaging more than 40 inches compared to less than 10 inches in the southernmost section. Due to its proximity to Lake Michigan, the Chicago metropolitan area occasionally receives heavy winter precipitation from lake-effect snows.

Key Points:

  • Temperatures in Illinois have risen about 1.5°F since the beginning of the 20th century. There is seasonal variation, with spring average temperatures increasing by 2°F, and summer increasing very little.
  • Precipitation has been above normal since the 1990s, with impacts to agriculture as projected increases in winter and spring precipitation impacting historical planting dates.
  • Severe flooding and drought have occurred periodically through the years. Precipitation events will increase in intensity and frequency, hich will lead to more flooding, and higher temperatures will mean greater evaporation rates, which could lead to higher intensity drought.

Frankson, R., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, B.C. Stewart, D.R. Easterling, B. Hall, J.R. Angel, and M.S. Timlin, 2022: Illinois State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-IL. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 6 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-Hour Snowfall 24-Hour Snow Depth Tornadoes Wettest Year
117°F
July 14, 1954
East St. Louis
-38°F
January 31, 2019
Mt. Carroll
16.91 in.
July 18, 1996
Aurora
36 in.
February 28, 1900
Astoria
41 in.
January 31, 1979 (Gebhard Woods St. Pk.)
February 28, 1900 (Astoria)
60 1993, 51.17 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Illinois Resource Links

Indiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Resources

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Indiana.

Indiana State Climate Summary

Indiana’s location in the interior of North America and the lack of mountains to the north and south expose the state to incursions of bitterly cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Annual average temperature varies widely across the state, with a range of about 10°F from north to south. In northwestern Indiana, Lake Michigan moderates the temperature, causing cooler summers and warmer winters. Lake Michigan is also the source of lake-effect snows, which can extend as far inland as Elkhart (north-central Indiana).

Annual precipitation has varied from a low of 29.1 inches in 1963 to a high of 55.2 inches in 2011. The driest multiyear periods were in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1960s and the wettest in the 2010s. The driest consecutive 5-year interval was 1940–1944, averaging 35.2 inches per year, and the wettest was 2015–2019, averaging 47.2 inches per year. Annual precipitation also varies widely across the state, ranging from about 47 inches in the south to 37 inches in the north. For snowfall, the pattern is reversed, with the southwest averaging about 14 inches and some northern locations near Lake Michigan averaging more than 70 inches. Locations close to Lake Michigan occasionally receive heavy winter precipitation from lake effect snows. During January 21–22, 2014, a lake effect storm dropped 18 inches of snow in Gary over a 5-hour period.

Key Points:

  • Temperatures in Illinois have risen about 1.5°F since the beginning of the 21st century. Warming has been most pronounced in the winter, with a lack of warming during the summer.
  • Spring and summer precipitation has generally been above average since the 1990s, with both positive effects (adequate soil moisture) and negative effects (delayed planting dates). Projected increases in winter and spring precipitation pose a continuing risk of spring planting delays.
  • Severe flooding and drought have occurred periodically through the years. Precipitation events will increase in intensity and frequency, which will lead to more flooding, and higher temperatures will mean greater evaporation rates, which could lead to higher intensity drought.

Frankson, R., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, B.C. Stewart, and J. Runkle, 2022: Indiana State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-IN. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 5 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-hour Snowfall 24-hour Snow Depth Tornadoes Wettest Year
116°F
July 14, 1936
Collegeville (South side of Renssalaer)
-36°F
January 19, 1994
New Whiteland
10.5 in.
August 6, 1905,
Princeton
33 in.
December 23, 2004
Salem
47 in.
January 28, 1918
Hammond
26 2011,
55.19 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Indiana Resource Links

Iowa Hazard Mitigation Plan Resources

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Iowa.

Iowa State Climate Summary

Iowa’s location in the interior of North America and the lack of mountains to the north and south expose the state to incursions of bitterly cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. As a result, its climate is characterized by wide-ranging temperatures.

Precipitation varies widely across Iowa, with the southeastern portion of the state receiving around 38 inches annually compared to only 26 inches in the northwest. Much of Iowa’s precipitation falls in summer, averaging about 14 inches in the central part of the state. Spring precipitation has been above average since 1990, which can make it difficult for farmers to plant crops. Summer and annual precipitation has also been above average since 2005, which has benefited crop production but also increased flooding. Iowa’s planting season, which runs from April into June, has been particularly wet in recent years, averaging about 2.8 inches above the long-term average of 12 inches since 2008. Statewide annual precipitation has ranged from a low of 20.2 inches in 1910 to a high of 47.9 inches in 1993. Snowfall also varies across the state, ranging from more than 40 inches in the north to about 20 inches in the south. For most of the state, more than 40% of the annual precipitation occurs on the 10 wettest days of the year, a percentage that rises to more than 48% in the western portion.

Key Points:

  • Temperatures in Iowa have risen more than 1.0°F since the beginning of the 20th century. Warming has been concentrated in the winter and fall, with a general lack of summer warming. Under a higher emissions pathway, historically unprecedented warming is projected.
  • Spring and summer precipitation has generally been above average since the 1990s, with both positive effects (adequate soil moisture) and negative effects (delayed planting dates). Projected increases in winter and spring precipitation pose a continuing risk of spring planting delays.
  • Severe flooding and drought have occurred periodically through the years. Precipitation events will increase in intensity and frequency, which will lead to more flooding, and higher temperatures will mean greater evaporation rates, which could lead to higher intensity drought.

Frankson, R., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, and J. Runkle, 2022: Iowa State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-IA. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 4 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-hour Snowfall 24-hour Snow Depth Avg. Annual Tornadoes Wettest Year
118°F
July 20, 1934
Keokuk No. 2
-47°F*
February 3, 1996, Elkader; January 12, 1912, Washta
13.18 in.
June 14, 1998
Atlantic 1NE
24 in.
April 20, 1918,
Lenox
52 in.*
March 1, 1969, Lake Park; February 28, 1969, Lake Park
55 1993
47.87 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Iowa Resource Links

Kentucky Hazard Mitigation Plan Resources

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Iowa.

Kentucky State Climate Summary

Due to its central location in the eastern half of the United States and the lack of mountain barriers to the interior of the North American continent and south to the Gulf of Mexico, Kentucky’s climate is characterized by moderately large variations in temperature and abundant precipitation. Summers vary from warm to hot and humid, while winters are cool with occasional episodes of very cold arctic air. Average (1991–2020 normals) daily high temperatures for July range from 82°F in the east to 91°F in the west, while January highs range from 40°F in the north to 47°F in the south. Temperatures fall below 0°F for more than 3 days per year in the north to less than 1 day in the south. Kentucky’s elevation ranges from 400 feet above sea level along the Mississippi River in the west to more than 4,100 feet at the peak of Black Mountain in the southeast, although most of the state is below 1,000 feet. Annual average precipitation ranges from about 38 inches in the northeast to around 58 inches in the southeast. The wettest year on record was 2011, with 64 inches of precipitation, while the driest was 1930, with 29 inches.

Total annual precipitation in Kentucky exhibits an overall upward trend and has averaged 7.4 inches above the long-term (1895­–2020) average since 2011. The annual number of 2-inch extreme precipitation events has been highly variable. The two highest multiyear averages of more than 3 days occurred during the 1975–1979 and 2010–2014 periods. Summer precipitation was well above average during the 2015–2020 period. Deficient precipitation coupled with hot temperatures during the summer months can result in drought. During the summer of 2012, extreme drought conditions in western Kentucky were exacerbated by a heat wave in late June and early July, when high temperatures rivaled those experienced in the 1930s.

Key Points:

  • Temperatures in Kentucky have risen by 0.6°F, less than half the warming for the contiguous United States, since the beginning of the 20th century, though the warmest consecutive 5-year interval was 2016-2020. Under a higher emissions pathway, historically unprecedented warming is projected.
  • Total annual precipitation and the number of extreme precipitation events have been above normal since 2000. Future increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events are projected.
  • Rising temperatures will mean greater evaporation rates, which could lead to higher intensity of naturally occurring droughts.

Runkle, J., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, R. Frankson, and B.C. Stewart, 2022: Kentucky State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-KY. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 4 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-hour Snowfall 24-hour Snow Depth Avg. Annual Tornadoes Wettest Year
114°F
July 28, 1930
Greensburg
-37°F
January 19, 1994, Shelbyville
11.28 in.
June 18-19, 2023
Mayfield 6SW
26 in.
March 3, 1942
Simers
31 in.
January 20, 1978, La Grange
27 2011
64.35 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Kentucky Resource Links

Michigan Hazard Mitigation Plan

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Michigan.

Michigan State Climate Summary

Michigan experiences large seasonal changes in temperature, with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The Great Lakes play an important role in moderating the state’s climate, causing it to be more temperate and moist than other north-central states. The Lower Peninsula is bordered by Lake Michigan to the west and by Lakes Huron and Erie to the east; the Upper Peninsula, by Lake Superior to the north and Lakes Michigan and Huron to the east and south. The moderating effect is most evident along the shores, which are considerably warmer during the winter and cooler in the summer than more inland locations. For example, Lansing and Muskegon have similar latitudes but experience very different frequencies of hot and cold days. Lansing, located in the center of the state, averages 9.0 hot days and 6.9 very cold nights per year. In contrast, Muskegon, located along the western shore of Lake Michigan, averages only 3.4 hot days and 2.5 very cold nights. The moderating effects are even more striking along the shores of the colder waters of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. Sault Ste. Marie averages only 1.4 hot days per year, and there have been only 11 warm nights since 1888.

Statewide annual precipitation has ranged from a low of 22.7 inches in 1930 to a high of 41.8 inches in 2019. The driest multiyear periods were in the 1930s and early 1960s and the wettest in the early 1950s, early 1990s, and 2010s . The driest consecutive 5-year interval was 1930–1934, and the wettest was 2016–2020. The frequency of extreme precipitation events has increased. Multiyear averages for 2-inch extreme precipitation events for the 2010–2014 and 2015–2020 periods are the highest on record. Snowfall is common in the state but varies regionally. Due to their proximity to the Great Lakes, the south shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula and the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the Lower Peninsula receive much more snowfall than the rest of the state. Parts of the Upper Peninsula receive more than 180 inches annually.

Key Points:

  • Temperatures in Michigan have risen almost 3°F since the beginning of the 20th century. Historically unprecedented warming is predicted during this century. Extreme heat is a particular concern for Detroit and other urban areas, where high temperatures combined with high humidity can cause dangerous heat index values, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect.
  • Increases in precipitation are projected for Michigan, most likely during the winter and spring. The frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation are also projected to increase, potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of floods.
  • Springtime flooding, in particular, could pose a threat to Michigan’s important agricultural industry by delaying planting and causing reduced yields.

Frankson, R., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, and J. Runkle, 2022: Michigan State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-MI. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 4 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-hour Snowfall 24-hour Snow Depth Avg. Annual Tornadoes Wettest Year
112°F
July 13, 1936, Mio; July 13, 1936, Stanwood
-51°F
February 9, 1934, Vanderbilt
12.92 in.
July 20. 2019
6E Fountain
31 in.
December 2, 1985
Herman
117 in.
January 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, Eagle Harbor
13 2019
41.83 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Michigan Resource Links

Missouri Hazard Mitigation Plan Resources

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Missouri

Missouri State Climate Summary

Missouri’s location in the interior of North America and the lack of mountain barriers to the north and south expose the state to incursions of cold arctic air masses in the winter and warm, moist air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Annual average temperatures across the state vary by about 10°F from north to south. The hottest year on record was 2012, with an annual average temperature of 58.5°F, which is 3.9°F higher than the long-term (1895–2020) average.

Annual average precipitation varies widely across the state, from a low of 35 inches in the northwest to a high of 55 inches in the southeast. The northern part of the state receives more snowfall, with an annual average of more than 20 inches compared to less than 5 inches in the south. Statewide, total annual precipitation has ranged from a low of 25.1 inches in 1953 to a high of 57.1 inches in 1973. The driest consecutive 5-year interval was 1952–1956, and the wettest was 2007–2011. Summer precipitation exhibits no overall trend. For large portions of the state, more than 40% of the total annual precipitation occurs on the 10 wettest days of the year.

Key Points:

  • Temperatures in Missouri have risen almost 1°F since the beginning of the 20th century. Winter warming is reflected in a below average occurrence of very cold nights since 1990. Historically unprecedented warming is predicted during this century.
  • Missouri has experienced an increase in the number of extreme precipitation events. Future increases in winter precipitation will pose a continued risk of spring planting delays and increased risk of flooding along rivers and streams.
  • Severe drought, a natural part of Missouri's climate, is a risk to this agriculture-dependent state. Future increases in evaporation rates due to warmer temperatures may increase the intensity of naturally occurring droughts.

Frankson, R., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, and B.C. Stewart, 2022: Missouri State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-MO. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 5 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-hour Snowfall 24-hour Snow Depth Avg. Annual Tornadoes Wettest Year
118°F
July 14, 1954, Warsaw; July 14, 1954, Union
-40°F
February 14, 1905, Warsaw
18.18 in.
July 20, 1965
Edgerton
24 in.
February 25, 1979, Cape Girardeau
February 25, 1979, Jackson
36 in.
March 19-20, 1960, Union
47 1973
57.14 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Missouri Resource Links

Minnesota Hazard Mitigation Plan Resources

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Minnesota.

Minnesota State Climate Summary

Minnesota’s location in the interior of North America and the lack of mountains to the north and south expose the state to incursions of bitterly cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer, resulting in large temperature variations across the seasons. Winters are cold in the south and frigid in the north, and summers are mild to occasionally hot in the south and pleasantly cool in the north. The summer is characterized by frequent warm air masses, either hot and dry continental air masses from the arid west and southwest or warm and moist air that pushes northward from the Gulf of Mexico. The summer is also punctuated by periodic intrusions of cooler air from Canada, providing breaks from the heat. Temperature extremes have ranged from as low as −60°F (February 2, 1996, at Tower) to as high as 115°F (July 29, 1917, at Beardsley). Among the non-mountainous U.S. states, Minnesota has the third-largest range of highest to lowest temperatures. The state’s location on the eastern edge of the transition zone between the humid climate of the eastern United States and the semiarid climate of the Great Plains also creates large differences in average precipitation across the state. Snowstorms are a normal part of the winter and early spring climate, with annual average snowfall ranging from 30 to 70 inches over most of the state, with higher values near 90 inches along the shores of Lake Superior.

Total annual precipitation in Minnesota has been above the long-term (1895–2020) average since 1990. The number of 2-inch extreme precipitation events has been mostly above average since 1985, with the 2015–2020 period having the highest recorded multiyear average. Annual average precipitation, including rainfall and the water equivalent found in snowfall, ranges from 23 inches in the far northwest to more than 35 inches in the southeast. Nearly two-thirds of annual precipitation falls during the growing season (May through September). However, occasional drought is a natural feature of the climate, occurring when anomalous circulation patterns bring in dry air from the interior of North America.

Key Points:

  • Temperatures in Minnesota have risen more than 2.5°F since the beginning of the 20th century. Under a higher emissions pathway, historically unprecedented warming is expected during this century. While warmer temperatures will reduce heating energy demand and lengthen the growing season, they will also increase the intensity of naturally occurring droughts.
  • Precipitation has increased over the past 100 years, and spring precipitation is expected to increase 15-20% by midcentury.
  • Extreme precipitation events are projected to increase in frequency and intensity, resulting in increased flooding and associated impacts, such as increased erosion, infrastructure damage, and agricultural losses.

Runkle, J., K.E. Kunkel, R. Frankson, D.R. Easterling, S.M. Champion, 2022: Minnesota State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-MN. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 4 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-hour Snowfall 24-hour Snow Depth Avg. Annual Tornadoes Wettest Year
115°F
July 29, 1917, Beardsley
-60°F
February 2, 1996, Tower
15.1 in.
August 29, 2007
Hokah
36 in.
January 7, 1994
Wolf Ridge ELC
88 in.
February 15, 16, 17, 18 , 19, 20, 21, 1969, Meadowlands 1NW
44 2019
35.65 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Minnesota Resource Links

Ohio Hazard Mitigation Plan Resources

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Ohio.

Ohio State Climate Summary

Ohio’s mid-latitude, interior location and the lack of mountains to the north or south expose the state to incursions of very cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Lake Erie also has a significant influence on the local climate. Near-shore locations are considerably warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer than locations farther away from the shores. Lake-effect snow, caused by the warming and moistening of arctic air masses over the Great Lakes, is a hazard along the southeastern shoreline of Lake Erie.

Annual precipitation varies regionally, with the northwestern part of the state averaging 32 inches each year and the southern part of the state averaging 42 inches each year. Statewide total annual precipitation has ranged from a low of 26.8 inches in 1963 to a high of 56.0 inches in 2011. The driest multiyear periods were 1930–1934 and 1960–1964, and the wettest multiyear periods have occurred since 2000. Annual average precipitation during the driest and wettest consecutive 5 years has ranged from a low of 33.6 inches for the 1930–1934 period to a high of 43.3 inches for the 2015–2019 interval. Snowfall also varies across the state. The northern portion of the state along the southern shores of Lake Erie receives 60 inches or more annually, and the southern portion of the state receives less than 16 inches annually.

Key Points:

  • Annual average temperature in Ohio has risen by more than 1.5°F since the beginning of the 20th century. Under a higher emissions pathway, historically unprecedented warming is expected during this century. Extreme heat is a particular concern for the state's urban areas, where high temperatures and high humidity can cause dangerous health conditions.
  • Ohio has experienced a significant increase in heavy rain events. Increases in winter and spring precipitation are expected and will enhance the risk of springtime flooding.
  • Severe drought is a risk to this agriculture-dependent state. Projected temperature increases may increase the intensity of naturally occurring droughts.

Frankson, R., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, and D.R. Easterling, 2022: Ohio State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-OH. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 5 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-hour Snowfall 24-hour Snow Depth Avg. Annual Tornadoes Wettest Year
113°F
July 21, 1934, (near) Gallipolis
-39°F
February 10, 1899, Milligan
10.74 in.
August 7-18, 1995
Lockington Dam
30 in.
April 20, 1901
Warren
47 in.
November 14, 1996, Chardon
24 2011
59.95 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Ohio Resource Links

Wisconsin Hazard Mitigation Plan Resources

The following information and resources may be relevant to hazard mitigation planning in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin State Climate Summary

Wisconsin’s location in the interior of North America and the lack of mountains to the north and south expose the state to incursions of bitterly cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer, causing a large range of temperatures across the state. The southern part of the state experiences cold winters and mild to hot summers, while the northern part of the state experiences frigid winters and generally cool summers with brief bouts of excessive heat. The winter season is dominated by dry and cold air, with occasional intrusions of milder air from the west and south. The summer is characterized by frequent warm air masses, either hot and dry continental air masses from the arid west and southwest or warm and moist air from the south. However, periodic intrusions of cooler air from Canada provide breaks from summer heat. The state has borders along Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the east, and the proximity to the lakes provides a moderating effect on temperatures for locations along the shorelines. Annual average temperatures vary from 39°F in the north to 50°F in the south.

Precipitation varies widely from year to year, and most of the state’s precipitation falls during the warmer half of the year. Statewide total annual precipitation has ranged from a low of 20.5 inches in 1910 to a high of 44.6 inches in 2019. Recently, Wisconsin has experienced some unusually wet years in addition to 2019. The third-wettest year on record was 2018 (39.7 inches), and 2016, 2010, 2017, and 2014 were the fourth-, fifth-, tenth-, and eleventh-wettest, respectively. The driest multiyear periods were in the late 1890s, early 1930s, and late 1950s, and the wettest were in the early 1990s and 2010s. The driest consecutive 5-year interval was 1929–1933, and the wettest was 2015–2019. Total winter precipitation and total summer precipitation have been mostly above average over the last 26 years. The frequency of 2-inch extreme precipitation events has increased, with the highest number occurring during the 2015–2020 period. Snowfall varies from about 30 inches annually in the south to more than 100 inches along the Gogebic Range. This heavy snowfall along the Gogebic Range is partially due to lake-effect snow events on the south shore of Lake Superior, which has experienced significant upward trends in annual snowfall totals. These upward trends are attributed to warmer air temperatures, which create more moisture availability due to warmer surface water temperatures and reduced lake ice coverage. Annual snowfall totals have also increased over the rest of Wisconsin since 1930.

Key Points:

  • Temperatures in Wisconsin have risen more than 2°F since the beginning of the 20th century. Under a higher emissions pathway, historically unprecedented warming is expected during this century. Extreme heat is a particular concern for densely populated urban areas like Milwaukee where high temperatures and high humidity can cause dangerous health conditions.
  • Wisconsin has experienced an increase in both annual precipitation and extreme precipitation events. Projected increases in winter and spring precipitation will pose a continuing risk of spring planting delays, as well as an increased risk of flooding. Snowfall is projected to decline due to warmer temperatures.
  • Severe drought, a natural part of Wisconsin's climate, is a risk to this agriculture-dependent state. The intensity of naturally occurring droughts may increase due to earlier snowmelt, a greater frequency of dry days, and higher temperatures, which will increase evaporation of moisture from soils during dry spells.

Frankson, R., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, and L. Sun, 2022: Wisconsin State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-WI. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 6 pp.

All-Time Records

High Temperature Low Temperature 24-hour Precipitation 24-hour Snowfall 24-hour Snow Depth Avg. Annual Tornadoes Wettest Year
114°F
July 13, 1936, Wisconsin Dells
-55°F
February 2, 1996, Courderay;
February 4, 1996, Courderay
11.72 in.
June 24, 1996
Mellen
26 in.
December 26-27, 1904
Neillsville
83 in.
April 6, 1933, Flambeau Reservoir
24 2019
44.55 in.
Most information was taken from NCEI's State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado data are courtesy of NWS Storm Prediction Center and historical wettest year data are from the MRCC's cli-MATE Monthly By Year product.

Table last updated: July 1, 2025

Wisconsin Resource Links