Weather & Climate in Plainfield, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Plainfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. The area receives 43.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,110 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,110 ft (338 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 678/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2175°N, 89.4969°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Waushara County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wittman Regional (OSH) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| 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 | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.5.
| Jan 7, 2024 | 3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin | M2.5 | 150 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
434 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 396 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 | EF5 | 91 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF4 | 62 km | 27.5 mi | 1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 | EF4 | 79 km | 31.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF4 | 75 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 | EF4 | 67 km | 21.1 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF4 | 53 km | 11.5 mi | 7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 | EF4 | 20 km | 26.4 mi | 6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 | EF4 | 85 km | 9.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 7, 2007 | EF3 | 97 km | 40.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 | EF3 | 75 km | 7.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 | EF3 | 67 km | 33.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 36 km | 10.5 mi | 2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 | EF3 | 17 km | 28.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 8, 1984 | EF3 | 88 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF3 | 58 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF3 | 61 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 | EF3 | 92 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 | EF3 | 76 km | 69.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF3 | 95 km | 22.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF3 | 100 km | 58.6 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 acres, 2005).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2005 | COTTONVILLE INCIDENT | 3,466 | 23 km |
| 1987 | BIG BURN | 3,154 | 55 km |
| 2024 | 2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX | 2,717 | 46 km |
| 1994 | BIG BURN | 2,248 | 54 km |
| 2023 | 2023 RX | 1,992 | 47 km |
| 1997 | BIG BURN | 1,642 | 55 km |
| 2004 | POOL ONE NORTH | 1,576 | 56 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 1,297 | 54 km |
| 2021 | 2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX | 987 | 48 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 981 | 58 km |
| 1994 | SOMMERS | 938 | 98 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 901 | 57 km |
| 1998 | PR 17 | 896 | 56 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 875 | 54 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 867 | 57 km |
| 2007 | PR 16 | 778 | 55 km |
| 2006 | PR 17 RX FIRE | 701 | 53 km |
| 2018 | 2018 BADGER RX BURNS | 659 | 96 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 657 | 56 km |
| 2003 | PR 17 | 632 | 54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 1.0 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 44°F (7°C) | 3.6 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 4.2 in | |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.7 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in |
Plainfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (1.0").