Climate change in Wisconsin

Climate change is affecting locations like Wisconsin in a variety of ways. In fall, these impacts include increased cooling demand, more extreme rainfall, and greater health risks from humid heat.

Explore these pages to learn how people in Wisconsin are at risk in a warming world.

Since 1970, average annual temperatures in Wisconsin have gotten 3.2°F warmer, reflecting an overall warming trend.

Warming puts people and ecosystems at risk from more frequent and intense extreme weather.
Overall, the contiguous U.S. is about 2.8°F warmer today than in 1970, based on average temperatures.
Data source: NCEI Climate at a Glance

Since 1970, Wisconsin's annual precipitation has increased by 2.7 inches.

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle and bringing heavier precipitation extremes across the U.S.
For every 1°F of warming, the air can hold 4% more moisture, increasing the chances of heavier downpours that contribute to flash flooding hazards.
Data source: NCEI Climate at a Glance

Wisconsin's climate threats in include:

Since 1970, average fall temperatures in Wisconsin have gotten 3.7°F warmer, reflecting an overall warming trend.

Fall warming means that risky heat, fire weather, and allergies linger later into the year.
Data source: NCEI Climate at a Glance

The amount of rainfall during the heaviest rain events each year in the Midwest has increased by 45% since 1958.

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, bringing heavier precipitation extremes across the U.S.
This chart shows how the amount of rainfall during the top 1% heaviest rain events each year in the Midwest increased between 1958 to 2021.
Data source: Fifth National Climate Assessment

Explore some ways climate change is affecting Wisconsin in fall

Higher cooling demand

Cooling degree days — an estimate of cooling demand — have increased since 1970 in 97% of major U.S. cities analyzed.

Key concepts:

Demand for cooling is rising across the U.S., contributing to higher energy bills as households rely more on air conditioning in our warming climate.
Cooling degree days — a temperature-based metric used to estimate the demand for energy to cool buildings — have increased since 1970 in 97% of the 241 major U.S. cities analyzed by Climate Central.
As the climate warms, rising cooling demand and electricity costs can make it harder for people who lack or cannot afford air conditioning to stay safe during extreme heat events.

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Heavier downpours

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, driving heavier rainfall and flood risk.

Key concepts:

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, driving heavier rainfall and flood risk.
From 1958–2021, extreme precipitation days grew in every region, led by the Northeast (+60%) and Midwest (+45%).
Intensification will continue with future warming.
Short bursts of extreme rain threaten people, ecosystems, and infrastructure nationwide.

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More dangerous heat

Climate change is driving hotter, longer, and more frequent extreme heat.

Key concepts:

Climate change is driving hotter, longer, and more frequent extreme heat — the deadliest U.S. weather hazard.
Heat combined with humidity multiplies health risks.
Rising humidity slows sweat evaporation, straining the body’s cooling system and causing dangerous heat stress.

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More warm fall days

Fall (September-November) has warmed nationwide since 1970.

Key concepts:

Fall (September - November) has warmed nationwide since 1970.
Warming is nationwide, strongest in the Southwest.
Hotter falls extend risks from heat, wildfire, allergies, and more.

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Impacts to food prices

Extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains.

Key concepts:

Food and climate change are closely linked. Food systems account for about one-quarter of all heat-trapping pollution.
Meanwhile, extreme events fueled by climate change can damage crops, reduce yields, and disrupt supply chains — all of which can drive food prices higher.
The availability, quality, and affordability of food reflect a complex set of climatic and socioeconomic factors. Emerging research is providing insight into the role of climate change.

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More graphics about Wisconsin and climate change

Browse climate-related graphics for all seasons localized for Wisconsin, available for download and use consistent with our Terms of use.

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Climate change in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's climate threats in fall include:

Explore some ways climate change is affecting Wisconsin in fall

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Wisconsin's climate threats in include: