Lake Wissota Climate SummaryLocation
Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States
Climate Type
Continental
Average Annual Temperature
45.6°F (7.6°C)
Average Annual Precipitation
31.8 inches (80.8 centimeters)
Average Annual Snowfall
49.1 inches (124.7 centimeters)
Climate Summary
Lake Wissota has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is 45.6°F (7.6°C), with average high temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius) in July and August, and average low temperatures in the mid-teens to low 20s Fahrenheit (-9 to -6 Celsius) in January and February.
The average annual precipitation is 31.8 inches (80.8 centimeters), with the majority of precipitation falling as rain during the spring and summer months. The average annual snowfall is 49.1 inches (124.7 centimeters), with the majority of snowfall occurring between November and April.
Lake Wissota experiences all four seasons, with distinct changes in temperature and precipitation throughout the year. The spring season is typically mild, with average temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (7 to 11 Celsius) and occasional rain and thunderstorms. The summer season is typically warm and humid, with average temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius) and occasional thunderstorms. The fall season is typically mild and dry, with average temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (13 to 16 Celsius) and occasional rain and thunderstorms. The winter season is typically cold and snowy, with average temperatures in the mid-teens to low 20s Fahrenheit (-9 to -6 Celsius) and occasional snowstorms.
Climate Extremes
The highest recorded temperature at Lake Wissota was 108°F (42°C) on July 13, 1936. The lowest recorded temperature was -48°F (-44°C) on January 24, 1929. The greatest 24-hour snowfall was 18.0 inches (45.7 centimeters) on December 12, 1983.
Climate Change
The climate at Lake Wissota is changing, with average temperatures increasing and precipitation patterns changing. The average annual temperature has increased by about 2°F (1°C) since the early 20th century, and the average annual precipitation has increased by about 5 inches (13 centimeters) since the early 20th century. The number of days with heavy precipitation events (more than 1 inch of rain or snow) has also increased in recent decades.
These changes are likely due to human-caused climate change, which is causing the Earth's average temperature to rise. Climate change is also causing more extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires.
Impacts of Climate Change
The changing climate is having a number of impacts on Lake Wissota and the surrounding area. These impacts include:
• Warmer water temperatures
The average water temperature in Lake Wissota has increased by about 2°F (1°C) since the early 20th century. This is causing changes in the lake's ecosystem, including the types of fish and plants that live in the lake.
• More frequent and intense storms
The number of days with heavy precipitation events has increased in recent decades. This is causing more flooding and erosion in the Lake Wissota area.
• Changes in plant and animal life
The changing climate is also causing changes in the plant and animal life in the Lake Wissota area. Some species are moving to new areas in search of more suitable habitat, while others are declining in population.
Adaptation and Mitigation
There are a number of things that can be done to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change on Lake Wissota and the surrounding area. These include:
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the most important thing that can be done to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This can be done by using less energy, driving less, and eating less meat.
• Improving water management
Improving water management can help to reduce the impacts of flooding and erosion. This can be done by building dams and levees, restoring wetlands, and planting trees.
• Protecting natural habitats
Protecting natural habitats can help to provide a refuge for plants and animals that are being displaced by climate change. This can be done by creating parks and protected areas, and by reducing pollution.
By taking these steps, we can help to protect Lake Wissota and the surrounding area from the impacts of climate change.
