Weather & Climate in Birchwood, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Birchwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. The area receives 67.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,253 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,253 ft (382 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 374/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6577°N, 91.5506°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washburn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
214 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 275 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF4 | 62 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 81 km | 11.1 mi | 3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 | EF3 | 89 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 2017 | EF3 | 66 km | 82.5 mi | 1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF3 | 39 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 | EF3 | 86 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 8, 1985 | EF3 | 89 km | 68.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 | EF3 | 92 km | 1.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF3 | 75 km | 9.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 92 km | 49.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF3 | 84 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF3 | 88 km | 18.2 mi | 2 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 95 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 | EF2 | 77 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 | EF2 | 95 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF2 | 78 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1998 | EF2 | 88 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 | EF2 | 96 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 | EF2 | 27 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 11, 1990 | EF2 | 31 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 acres, 2013).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2013 | GERMANN ROAD FIRE | 6,751 | 75 km |
| 2024 | RX-86_FY23 | 2,187 | 84 km |
| 2007 | PIONEER FIRE | 1,072 | 71 km |
| 2013 | CRANBERRY FIRE | 779 | 85 km |
| 2024 | RX-64 | 553 | 86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°F (-11°C) | 1.3 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.5 in | |
| March | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 41°F (5°C) | 3.5 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 5.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 67°F (20°C) | 5.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | 4.5 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 4.3 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 3.8 in | |
| November | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.9 in |
Birchwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 12°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.3").