Wisconsin experiences significant snowfall throughout the winter season. The state sees an average annual snowfall range from 40 to 50 inches across central and northeast Wisconsin to 100 to 125 inches in the snowbelt region of Vilas County.
Snow is a common occurrence, contributing to the state’s reputation for chilly and snowy winters.
Madison, Wisconsin, for instance, gets varying amounts of snow each year. In heavier snowfall years, January alone can bring over 19 inches of fresh snow, whereas lighter snowfall years may see under nine inches.
The ranges for February snowfall also reflect this variation, demonstrating how dynamic Wisconsin’s winter weather can be.
In addition to snowfall, Wisconsin averages around 113 days of some kind of precipitation annually. This includes not just snow but also rain, sleet, and hail.
This high frequency of precipitation makes Wisconsin a state where weather patterns are always interesting to follow throughout the year.
Understanding Wisconsin’s Snowfall Patterns
Wisconsin experiences a wide range of snowfall patterns due to its diverse climate and geographic features. With significant variations between regions and notable monthly extremes, Wisconsin’s snowfall is influenced by factors such as proximity to Lake Michigan and local topography.
Average Snowfall and Totals by Region
In Wisconsin, snowfall totals vary greatly depending on the region.
Northern Wisconsin typically sees the highest snowfall, with areas like Vilas County receiving between 100 to 125 inches of snow annually.
Meanwhile, central and northeast Wisconsin, including cities like Green Bay, average around 40 to 50 inches per year. This contrast highlights the significant difference in snowfall totals across regions.
In the south, Madison averages 51.8 inches of snow annually, while Milwaukee experiences about 46.9 inches.
These numbers illustrate the varying impact of snowfall across different parts of the state.
Monthly Snowfall Averages and Extremes
Snowfall in Wisconsin also varies significantly from month to month.
In Madison, December typically sees a considerable range in snowfall. On average, one year in four sees over 20.8 inches in December, while some years report just 2.6 inches.
January also exhibits similar variability, with fresh snowfall exceeding 19 inches in some years.
Notable records further emphasize this variability. Madison’s record one-day snowfall is 17.3 inches, recorded in December 1990.
The record monthly snowfall is 40.4 inches in December 2008, and the record seasonal snowfall is 101.4 inches during the winter of 2007-2008.
Impact of Lake Michigan on Snowfall in Eastern Wisconsin
Lake Michigan significantly affects snowfall in eastern Wisconsin.
The lake’s presence leads to increased snow totals in areas downwind due to lake-effect snow.
This phenomenon occurs when cold air moves over the warmer waters of Lake Michigan, picking up moisture and depositing it as snow on the eastern shore.
Milwaukee and other communities along the lake often receive more snow than inland areas.
This lake-effect snow can lead to higher totals and greater snowfall intensity, contributing to the varied and complex snowfall patterns seen in eastern Wisconsin.
These effects illustrate how geographical features impact snowfall amounts across different regions of the state.
Experiencing Snow in Wisconsin
Wisconsin sees significant snowfall every winter, impacting many aspects of daily life. Residents must be prepared for heavy snow, power outages, and difficult driving conditions.
Record Snowfall and Historical Events
Wisconsin winters are no stranger to record-breaking snowfalls.
For example, the snowbelt region of Vilas County can receive as much as 100 to 125 inches of snow annually.
Cities like Madison, Wisconsin also experience varying yearly totals, sometimes accumulating over 20 inches in December.
Historical events, such as the March snowstorm in 2023, illustrate how heavy snow can lead to widespread disruption.
During this storm, 7,500 We Energies customers lost power in the Milwaukee area alone.
Large snowstorms and blizzards are common during peak winter months like December and February, often leading to significant snow depth and dangerous travel conditions.
Preparation and Response to Wisconsin Winters
Preparation is essential for safely navigating Wisconsin winters.
Local authorities and residents must be ready for snowstorms and related challenges.
For instance, heavy snow can create hazardous driving conditions, so it’s crucial for vehicles to be equipped with snow tires and emergency kits.
Snow removal is a major focus, and communities often have detailed plans for plowing and de-icing roads.
Power outages, a frequent occurrence during big snowstorms, require a proactive approach.
During the January 2024 snowstorm, 92,086 residents experienced outages, underscoring the need for backup generators and emergency supplies.
Having a plan in place can help mitigate the impact of deep snow and prolonged periods of severe weather.