The weather in Wisconsin has been a rollercoaster in 2026, with record-breaking temperature swings, blizzards, tornadoes, and floods. It's a stark reminder of the impact of climate change and the need for better preparedness. As the state's climatologist, Steve Varus, notes, this year has been a 'smorgasbord' of extreme events, and the rest of the year promises more of the same.
One of the most striking examples of this weather whiplash was the 100-degree temperature swing in January. While this might seem like a small number on paper, it translates to a massive shift in conditions, from freezing temperatures to near-freezing in the southeast and from above zero to below 40 in the north. This kind of extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more intense, and it's not just Wisconsin that's feeling the heat.
In February, the state saw record-breaking warmth, with temperatures running nearly 6 degrees above the long-term average. This trend continued into March, when the state saw a shift from winter to spring, with temperatures above 32 degrees most of the time. But it wasn't all smooth sailing; a mid-March blizzard dropped more than 25 inches of snow across parts of central and northeastern Wisconsin, shattering local records.
April brought a historic week of tornadoes, with two dozen touching down across the state, more than the state typically sees in an entire year. This was followed by a historic wet-to-dry flip in May, with Milwaukee receiving just 0.36 inches of rain, breaking the previous record low of 0.41 inches set in 1885. This extreme weather is not just a problem for Wisconsin; it's a national issue.
The economic toll of these extreme events is significant. Between 1980 and 2024, Wisconsin experienced 63 weather and climate disasters that each caused at least $1 billion in damage. A 2024 analysis projected that extreme weather events may cost Wisconsin up to $16 billion over the next 15 years, with floods among the hardest disasters to recover from economically. This is a wake-up call for individuals and communities to prepare for these wild swings in weather.
So, what can individuals do to prepare for these extreme weather events? Here are a few tips that experts suggest:
- Flooding: Know your flood risk by using multiple sources, such as FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center, the National Flood Hazard Layer, and First Street Foundation’s Flood Factor. Keep valuables out of basements and elevate appliances. Maintain an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and batteries for several days.
- Wildfire smoke: When the air quality index reaches very unhealthy levels, limit outdoor activity, especially for those with heart or lung disease. Create a 'clean air room' by keeping windows and doors closed and using a portable HEPA filter or a well-maintained HVAC system set to recirculate. Stock N95 or KN95 masks for going outside and keep groceries and medications on hand.
- Heat waves: Know where to go to cool down, such as a library, mall, or cooling center, if your home doesn’t stay below about 80 degrees. Drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty. Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day and use window dressings, such as blackout curtains that are white on the outside to reflect heat and sun.
In conclusion, the weather in Wisconsin is becoming more extreme and unpredictable, and it's up to individuals and communities to prepare for these wild swings in weather. By following these tips, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from the impact of climate change.
