Weather & Climate in Catawba, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Catawba has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches. The area receives 70.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,531 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.7°F |
| 25% below US avg | |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,531 ft (467 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 40/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5371°N, 90.5335°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Price County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE) 61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.5.
| Jan 7, 2024 | 3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin | M2.5 | 124 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
218 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 225 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 | EF4 | 91 km | 31.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF4 | 92 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 100 km | 11.1 mi | 3 |
| Jun 25, 1950 | EF4 | 74 km | 13.1 mi | 2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 | EF3 | 69 km | 21.2 mi | 0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF3 | 47 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 | EF3 | 44 km | 68.0 mi | 2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF3 | 57 km | 29.0 mi | 1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 91 km | 78.4 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 79 km | 49.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 | EF3 | 91 km | 37.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF3 | 82 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| May 3, 1955 | EF3 | 68 km | 6.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 79 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 | EF2 | 95 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 | EF2 | 77 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 | EF2 | 50 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF2 | 46 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1997 | EF2 | 95 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1996 | EF2 | 63 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: RILEY (1,254 acres, 2019).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2019 | RILEY | 1,254 | 43 km |
| 2007 | PIONEER FIRE | 1,072 | 93 km |
| 1987 | FOULDS CREEK | 750 | 48 km |
| 2022 | UNNAMED | 702 | 44 km |
| 2022 | LDF MARSH BURN 2022 | 503 | 75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°F (-12°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 15°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 41°F (5°C) | 2.7 in | |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 in | Wettest |
| July | 67°F (19°C) | 3.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 3.5 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.5 in |
Catawba has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.0").