Before the Wisconsin winter arrives, we not only encourage businesses to consider their snow management plans, but we also recommend taking a look at the kind of weather you should expect, learning about the usual Wisconsin winter road conditions, and planning ahead so your business can keep its doors open.
With that in mind, today we’ll take a look at five Wisconsin winter weather records and facts that every business owner and homeowner needs to know.
What Was The Coldest Day Ever Recorded in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin winters get seriously cold, but 1996 saw those temperatures get even more extreme. In the village of Couderay, February 2, 1996, local people endured a staggeringly cold -55 degrees F. It plunged the region into chaos, with businesses closing and road conditions becoming exceptionally dangerous.
When Did The Heaviest 24-Hour Snowfall Occur?
With cold weather comes snowfall. The heaviest 24-hour snowfall in all of recorded Wisconsin history was some time ago. On December 26-27 in 1904, some 26 inches of snow fell in Neillsville.
Sure, it was a long time ago, but this kind of snowfall isn’t uncommon even today. On December 11, 2010, Eau Claire saw 22 inches of snow in just one day. It may well happen this winter, too!
What Is The Coldest Month in Wisconsin?
January is when things get really cold in Wisconsin. It’s so cold that it often becomes difficult to stand outside for only a matter of minutes, with temperatures reaching as low as -10 degrees F in populous areas, and even as low as -30 degrees F in the northern highlands region.
You should expect an average high temperature of around 20 degrees F, rising to 30 degrees F, but you should also be prepared for bad Wisconsin winter road conditions impacted by ice and snow. The poor visibility owing to the shorter days and cloudy skies are also a factor to consider while driving.
How Many Tornadoes Does Wisconsin Have Per Year?
Tornadoes are common in Wisconsin all year round. The National Weather Service reports an average of 23 tornadoes per year in Wisconsin, based on data from the last 30 years.
2021 has seen a number of tornadoes so far, with the strongest record being an EF 3 tornado that hit Grant County. Wind speed reached 160 miles per hour, and it traveled for a length of almost 11 miles with a width of roughly half a mile.
Expect more throughout the rest of 2021 and into 2022!
What Is The Snowiest City in Wisconsin?
Hurley is a small town in Wisconsin known for being the snowiest place in the state. Between 1996 and 1997, Hurley achieved the record for snowfall in one winter, with 277.7 inches of snow falling during the season.
In 2021, however, the snowiest cities in the state include Ashland, Superior, Rhinelander, Rothschild, Wausau, and Kronenwetter. Ashland tops the list with 90.8 inches average annual snowfall.
When Was The Longest Blizzard in Wisconsin?
The record for the longest blizzard in the state comes from 1947. The storm lasted between January 28 and 30 in the southern region of the state, with wind speeds reaching 60mph, up to 27 inches of snow falling, and drifts reaching 20 feet.
Further back, the “Big Snow of ’81” took place between March 2-4 in 1881. It took place before official records were kept, and saw around 28.5 inches of snow falling on the city of Madison.
Make Winter Your Favorite Season with Earth Development!
Wisconsin winters aren’t going to change any time soon, but there’s no reason why it should shut your business or make your life difficult.
At Earth Development, we’ll help you make winter an exciting season – not just for business, but in everyday life, too.
To find out more about our convenient, customizable snow removal plans to help you keep your property clear of ice and snow this winter, call the Earth Development team today.