Record Cold High Temps Reached in Wisconsin

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – Cold air from Canada surged into the state to start September, with gusty winds and wind chills making it feel more like mid-October.

A blast of below-average air hit the Midwest after a cold front passed through, and a clipper system reinforced the October feel.

At this time of year, high temperatures should reach the low to mid 70s across Wisconsin. Instead, areas like Wausau, Rhinelander, and the Fox Valley experienced record cold high temperatures on Sept. 4.

Another chilly day Friday, Sept. 5, with more record cold high temperatures on the line statewide.

Records To Beat

• Madison’s 57 degrees, set in 1876
• Milwaukee’s 61 degrees, set in 1876
• La Crosse’s 59 degrees, set in 1896
• Green Bay’s 60 degrees, set in 1981
• Wausau’s 57 degrees, set in 1956
• Eau Claire’s 60 degrees, set in 1993
• Hayward’s 57 degrees, set in 2017
• Ashland’s 56 degrees, set in 1926.

With strong winds on top of the crisp temperatures, it’s making it feel even cooler. Wind chills are dropping temperatures 5 to 10 degrees. Gusts up to 40 mph are also whipping up a Gale Warning on Lake Michigan, with waves 9 to 13 feet high. A Beach Hazard Statement has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Manitowoc and Washington Island shores.

Gale force winds typically arrive in October and November. The Meteorological Fall began on Monday, Sept. 1. The autumnal equinox marks the start of the fall season on Monday, Sept. 22. Hours of daylight in the state drop by an hour to an hour and half during the month of September. State average high temperatures start the month in the mid 70s and drop to normal highs in the mid 60s by the end of September.