Wisconsin State Climatology Office

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Weather and climate play a vital role in our state’s economy, agriculture, and recreation. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office, part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Rural Partnerships Institute, collects, analyzes, and shares climate information with our communities while leading the way in climate science education and research.

Areas of Expertise

A computer screen shows a graph of different atmospheric measurements

Climate Data

View our collection of Wisconsin climate data, which includes temperature, precipitation, snowfall, and other records dating back to the 19th century.

Recent data | Historic data
Wisconsin seasons | Climate divisions
First-order stations

A flux tower is used to gather data on atmospheric conditions

Mesonet

Explore our growing network of real-time weather and soil measurement stations to support Wisconsin farmers, scientists, and citizens.

Wisconsin Mesonet

A scientist stands in shallow water preparing a kayak outfitted with instruments to measure atmospheric data

Research

Learn how we’re addressing the challenges posed by the Wisconsin’s climate, particularly among rural and agricultural communities.

Research

Specialized Climate Information

People walking on frozen Lake Mendota, getting an up-close view of Lady Liberty appearing to emerge through the ice

Lake Ice

See the history of freezing and thawing of Madison’s lakes, from 1852 to the present, in addition to current and historical ice conditions on the Great Lakes.

Madison lake ice data
Great Lakes ice data

Brown, nearly dead corn stalks resulting from an extended period of hot, dry weather

Drought

Get real-time and historical data on drought and moisture conditions across the state.

Current drought information

Early-morning aerial view of farmland in early fall

Agriculture

Find local climate and weather information tailored to Wisconsin’s farming community.

Agricultural data

Wisconsin Climate Summaries

  • September 2024 Climate Summary

    September was remarkable with extreme warmth and dryness placing it among Wisconsin’s 10 warmest and 10 driest Septembers on record.

  • Wind Point lighthouse on a pleasant day with colorful flowers in the foreground

    August and Summer 2024 Climate Summary

    The last month of meteorological summer ended with an intense heatwave; however, temperatures averaged near normal for August and for the entire summer. Rainfall varied widely this season, with some experiencing drought and others heavy downpours, and severe weather was relatively limited.

  • July 2024 Climate Summary

    July in Wisconsin was surprisingly normal, with temperature and precipitation close to their long-term averages for a change. However, intense rainfall in southern Wisconsin caused damage and flooding while northern Wisconsin and the Lake Michigan coast returned to dry conditions.

  • View more climate summaries

Subscribe to the monthly Wisconsin climate summary newsletter

Wisconsin’s Climate Future

Wisconsin’s climate continues to change. An analysis of past climate data confirms that our state is getting warmer and wetter. How will our communities be affected, and what can they do to adapt? The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, a partnership between the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, identifies vulnerability to climate change and works to improve our resilience and readiness.

Visit WICCI