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Weather & Climate in Independence, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Independence has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches. The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 872 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 872 ft (266 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 355/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3098°N, 91.4207°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Trempealeau County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
321 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 33 fatalities, 323 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF5 | 97 km | 33.7 mi | 21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF4 | 88 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 90 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 69 km | 11.1 mi | 3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 53 km | 59.2 mi | 4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 | EF3 | 65 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 44 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 38 km | 10.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF3 | 98 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 | EF3 | 58 km | 1.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 73 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 75 km | 49.6 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1959 | EF3 | 35 km | 34.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF3 | 74 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 | EF3 | 63 km | 24.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 | EF2 | 86 km | 22.9 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 58 km | 2.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 54 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 74 km | 1.1 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 74 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BIG BURN (1,642 acres, 1997).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1997 | BIG BURN | 1,642 | 100 km |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 48 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 901 | 98 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 589 | 100 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 580 | 98 km |
| 2024 | RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN | 520 | 67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-0°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 3.0 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 67°F (19°C) | 4.0 in | |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 4.3 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 4.3 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.3 in |
Independence has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").