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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:
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
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
Explore some ways climate change is affecting Wisconsin in fall
Higher cooling demand for schools
Hotter summers and longer warm seasons make cooling schools a growing challenge.
Key concepts:
- Hotter summers and longer warm seasons make cooling schools a growing challenge.
- Cooling is essential for student and staff health and safety.
- Since 1970, cooling demand during back-to-school season rose in 95% of U.S. locations analyzed.
- Rising demand means schools face costly upgrades to keep classrooms safe and comfortable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
