Weather & Climate in Cross Plains, WI

Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.

Cross Plains experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. The area receives 38.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 72% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 873 feet.

Temperature

18°F Jan (-8°C) 72°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average46.4°F
14% below US avg
January Average18°F (-8°C)
July Average72°F (22°C)

Geography

Elevation873 ft (266 m)
Area1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²)
Population Density2,159/sq mi
Coordinates43.1150°N, 89.6471°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyDane County County
Nearest AirportDane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN)
16 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 39.4"
4% above US avg
Snowfall 38.5"
Wettest Month (Jun) 5.63"
Driest Month (Jan) 1.50"

Air Quality

AQI Median42.0
RatingGood
Good Days %72.1%
Unhealthy Days0

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Moderate
Risk Score93.9 / 100
Social Vulnerability15.9 / 100
Community Resilience97.8 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Relatively High
Hurricane Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood Relatively High
Hail Relatively High
Strong Wind Relatively High
Heat Wave Relatively Moderate
Winter Weather Relatively High
Lightning Relatively High
Ice Storm Relatively High
Drought Relatively Low
Cold Wave Very High
Landslide Relatively Moderate
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.9.

Mar 25, 2015 3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois M2.9 147 km 6 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Tornado History

539 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 24 fatalities, 599 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Path Fatalities
Jun 7, 1984 EF5 32 km 36.0 mi 9
Jul 3, 1983 EF4 42 km 0.5 mi 0
Apr 21, 1974 EF4 97 km 26.0 mi 0
Apr 19, 1957 EF4 94 km 21.1 mi 1
Sep 26, 1951 EF4 51 km 9.0 mi 1
Aug 7, 2021 EF3 87 km 9.4 mi 0
Jun 16, 2014 EF3 15 km 1.0 mi 0
Aug 18, 2005 EF3 28 km 18.6 mi 1
Jun 23, 2004 EF3 84 km 33.3 mi 0
Jun 23, 2004 EF3 84 km 7.6 mi 1
Jun 17, 1992 EF3 28 km 16.0 mi 0
May 8, 1988 EF3 76 km 16.0 mi 0
Jun 8, 1984 EF3 50 km 29.0 mi 0
Jun 5, 1980 EF3 71 km 10.7 mi 0
Apr 7, 1980 EF3 68 km 1.2 mi 0
Jun 4, 1975 EF3 36 km 2.3 mi 0
Apr 21, 1974 EF3 87 km 22.2 mi 0
Apr 21, 1974 EF3 84 km 58.6 mi 2
Aug 2, 1967 EF3 16 km 0.1 mi 2
Apr 16, 1967 EF3 70 km 27.8 mi 0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).

Wildfire History

10 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 acres, 2006).

Year Name Acres Burned Distance
2006 UNNAMED 1,524 95 km
2010 RX BURN 1,236 95 km
1994 SOMMERS 938 93 km
1988 PEACHY RD 812 92 km
2018 2018 BADGER RX BURNS 659 30 km
2019 2019 BADGER RX BURNS 627 29 km
2006 UNNAMED 612 93 km
2007 TOWER RD 2 592 92 km
2024 RX-HWY Y - SOUTH 553 75 km
2009 COLD SPRINGS 552 49 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 18°F (-8°C) 1.5 in Coldest, Driest
February 22°F (-6°C) 1.6 in
March 33°F (1°C) 2.2 in
April 46°F (8°C) 3.9 in
May 58°F (14°C) 4.5 in
June 68°F (20°C) 5.6 in Wettest
July 72°F (22°C) 4.6 in Warmest
August 70°F (21°C) 4.9 in
September 62°F (17°C) 3.6 in
October 50°F (10°C) 2.9 in
November 36°F (2°C) 2.3 in
December 24°F (-4°C) 1.8 in

Cross Plains has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.5").

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