Climate change in Wausau, Wisconsin

Climate change is affecting locations like Wausau in a variety of ways. In fall, these impacts include heavier rainfall, changes to fall foliage, and greater health risks from humid heat.

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

Since 1970, average annual temperatures in Wausau have gotten 2.8°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: NOAA ACIS

Since 1970, Wausau's annual precipitation has increased by 3.8 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: NOAA ACIS

As of October 18, 2026, Wausau has experienced 15 days this year with temperatures made twice as likely by climate change.

This is according to the Climate Shift Index (CSI), which quantifies the influence of human-caused climate change on daily average temperatures. Temperatures on these days had a CSI level 2 or higher, which indicates local temperatures were at least two times more likely due to climate change.
The CSI ranges from -5 to +5. Positive levels indicate temperatures made more likely due to climate change (while negative scores indicate conditions made less likely).
Data source: Climate Shift Index

Wausau's climate threats in include:

During the past 20 years, Wisconsin experienced 35 more billion-dollar disasters from severe storms compared to the previous 20 years.

As the planet warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, resulting in devastating losses.
This data shows how the total number of severe storms with at least one billion dollars in damages has changed from 1980-1999 to 2005-2024.
Data source: NCEI U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters

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

Fall warming means that risky heat, fire weather, and allergies linger later into the year.
Data source: NOAA ACIS

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 Wausau in fall

Heavier rainfall

Hourly rainfall intensity — a key factor in flash floods — has increased in 129 cities across the U.S. since 1970.

Key concepts:

Climate change is supercharging the water cycle, bringing heavier rainfall extremes and related flood risks across the U.S.
Some 129 U.S. cities (90% of 144 analyzed) have experienced an increase in hourly rainfall intensity since 1970.
People and ecosystems in both wet and dry locations are facing the risks that come with heavier rainfall in our warming climate.

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Impacts to fall color

Conditions that trigger fall color are shifting with climate change.

Key concepts:

Foliage depends on temperature, day length, and rainfall — as well as other conditions including extreme weather events.
Cool fall nights can boost color, but they have warmed 2.7°F (1970–2023) in 212 U.S. locations.
Warmer falls can delay or shorten peak foliage.

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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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Changes in severe storms

Certain conditions favorable to thunderstorms and tornadoes are occurring more often

Key concepts:

Severe storms make up half of U.S. billion-dollar disasters since 1980.
Climate change is shifting storm conditions into new seasons and regions.

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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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Climate change in Wausau, Wisconsin

Wausau's climate threats in fall include:

Explore some ways climate change is affecting Wausau in fall

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Wausau's climate threats in include: