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Wisconsin State Climatology Office

Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies

Weather and climate play a vital role in our state’s economy, agriculture, and recreation. As part of the Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research, the Wisconsin State Climatology Office 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

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.

Madison lake 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

  • July 2023 Wisconsin Climate Summary

    The increased rainfall Wisconsin received in July 2023 unfortunately did little to alleviate the state's drought conditions — in fact, our drought actually got worse.

  • June 2023 Wisconsin Climate Summary

    Intense drought conditions quickly took hold in June thanks to a lack of rainfall and exceptionally dry air. Meanwhile, parts of the state saw some of the worst air quality in the country due to the wildfires in Canada. Temperatures were warmer than normal but the nights were comfortable, one positive of the prevailing dryness.

  • May and Spring 2023 Wisconsin Climate Summary

    May was historically dry in Wisconsin, becoming the 4th driest on record (since 1895) with only 1.59 inches of precipitation averaged statewide.

  • View more climate summaries

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