Weather & Climate in Nelson, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Nelson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.7 inches. The area receives 39.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,208 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,208 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 260/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4196°N, 91.9973°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buffalo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU) 40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
386 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 39 fatalities, 366 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF5 | 60 km | 33.7 mi | 21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF4 | 84 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 62 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 70 km | 11.1 mi | 3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 70 km | 59.2 mi | 4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 | EF3 | 55 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 2017 | EF3 | 94 km | 82.5 mi | 1 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 21 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 52 km | 10.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 | EF3 | 60 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 | EF3 | 59 km | 1.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF3 | 85 km | 9.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 95 km | 49.6 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1959 | EF3 | 66 km | 34.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF3 | 88 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 | EF3 | 24 km | 24.4 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 100 km | 2.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 96 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 95 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF2 | 87 km | 13.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.1 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 1.1 in | |
| March | 33°F (0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 5.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.7 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 22°F (-5°C) | 1.3 in |
Nelson has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.1").