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Weather & Climate in Ladysmith, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Ladysmith has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 66°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 35.8 inches. The area receives 52.1 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 1,143 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,143 ft (348 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (11.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 745/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4610°N, 91.0976°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rusk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
233 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF4 | 53 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 78 km | 59.2 mi | 4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 66 km | 11.1 mi | 3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 | EF3 | 81 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 2017 | EF3 | 86 km | 82.5 mi | 1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF3 | 3 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 94 km | 10.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 8, 1985 | EF3 | 71 km | 68.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 | EF3 | 78 km | 1.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF3 | 94 km | 9.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 60 km | 49.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF3 | 57 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 63 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 | EF2 | 99 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 | EF2 | 93 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 | EF2 | 93 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF2 | 38 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1998 | EF2 | 83 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1996 | EF2 | 91 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 | EF2 | 41 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: RILEY (1,254 acres, 2019).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2019 | RILEY | 1,254 | 83 km |
| 2007 | PIONEER FIRE | 1,072 | 87 km |
| 1987 | FOULDS CREEK | 750 | 88 km |
| 2022 | UNNAMED | 702 | 84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°F (-10°C) | 1.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 2.7 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 3.5 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 4.3 in | |
| July | 66°F (19°C) | 4.1 in | |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 4.4 in | Warmest |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.3 in |
Ladysmith has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 13°F in January to 66°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").