Weather & Climate in Melrose, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Melrose 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. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. The area receives 41.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27 / among the cleanest air in the country. 86% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 786 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 786 ft (240 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 796/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1312°N, 90.9969°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 27.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 85.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.4 / 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 Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
292 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 271 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 96 km | 11.1 mi | 3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 74 km | 59.2 mi | 4 |
| Apr 19, 1957 | EF4 | 72 km | 21.1 mi | 1 |
| Sep 24, 2019 | EF3 | 98 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 82 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 86 km | 10.5 mi | 2 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 67 km | 10.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF3 | 62 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 | EF3 | 88 km | 1.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 54 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 88 km | 49.6 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1959 | EF3 | 37 km | 34.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF3 | 92 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 | EF3 | 64 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 | EF2 | 47 km | 22.9 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 47 km | 2.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 44 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 86 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 62 km | 1.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 | EF2 | 75 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 acres, 1987).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1987 | BIG BURN | 3,154 | 65 km |
| 2024 | 2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX | 2,717 | 74 km |
| 1994 | BIG BURN | 2,248 | 66 km |
| 2023 | 2023 RX | 1,992 | 74 km |
| 1997 | BIG BURN | 1,642 | 65 km |
| 2004 | POOL ONE NORTH | 1,576 | 67 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 1,297 | 66 km |
| 2021 | 2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX | 987 | 73 km |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 79 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 981 | 64 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 901 | 63 km |
| 1998 | PR 17 | 896 | 67 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 875 | 69 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 867 | 65 km |
| 2007 | PR 16 | 778 | 65 km |
| 2006 | PR 17 RX FIRE | 701 | 67 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 657 | 65 km |
| 2003 | PR 17 | 632 | 66 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 589 | 64 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 580 | 64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 1.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.1 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 44°F (7°C) | 3.7 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 4.5 in | |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 4.4 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in |
Melrose has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and February the driest (1.1").