Wisconsin experienced an unprecedented series of extreme weather events in 2024. The state saw record highs and lows, underscoring the impact of climate change.
Here's a quick rundown of some weather and climate stats from the year 2024. Overall a warm and dry year. pic.twitter.com/00V1YhRKWZ
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 2, 2025
“It’s like we’re gradually warming up the stove, and we don’t really notice it’s happening,” said Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin’s state climatologist.
He noted that 2024 could be Wisconsin’s warmest year on record. Wisconsin recorded its warmest winter from December 2023 to February 2024, with an average temperature of 28.3 degrees. This was almost 10 degrees warmer than the typical average.
#firstalertwx "Buresh Blog": https://t.co/7kUCcwYoOV – If You Don't Like the Weather, Just Wait a Minute – 2024 weather highlights @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/cGsw2fTGN5
— Mike Buresh (@MikeFirstAlert) December 31, 2024
The previous record was set during the 2001-2002 winter at 26.1 degrees. On February 8, 2024, tornadoes struck south-central Wisconsin, causing an estimated $2.4 million in damage. One tornado hit rural Green County, while another caused destruction in Evansville, Rock County.
Every New Year’s Eve I look back at the year that was in Arkansas weather.
Today I ranked the top 7 weather events for 2024 in Arkansas.
Most of these occurred in the January to July time frame, please take a minute to read!https://t.co/FK5IjY9daV
— James Bryant (@KATVJames) December 31, 2024
The Great Lakes saw record-low ice cover from January to March 2024, with an average of just 4.3%.
Wisconsin’s warming trend and weather shifts
Lakes Michigan and Superior had historic lows in average daily ice cover at 4.4% and 2.6%, respectively.
Spring 2024 was wetter than normal, reversing a drought that began in June 2023. Wisconsin had its third wettest June on record, with rainfall exceeding normal amounts by more than 2.5 inches. Bayfield County and La Crosse set local rainfall records.
The frequency of harmful algal blooms in Wisconsin’s waters, including Lake Superior, increased in 2024. There were 253 blooms reported, up from 174 in 2023. These blooms are expected to become more frequent and larger due to warming water temperatures.
The data from 2024 make it clear that climate change is already profoundly affecting Wisconsin. The state’s weather patterns are shifting, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. As residents, policymakers, and scientists grapple with these changes, the need for proactive climate action becomes increasingly urgent.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
