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Weather & Climate in Racine, WI

Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.

Racine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches. The area receives 41.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 76% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 663 feet.

Temperature

22°F Jan (-6°C) 71°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average47.1°F
13% below US avg
January Average22°F (-6°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days260 days/yr

Geography

Elevation663 ft (202 m)
Area18.7 sq mi (48.4 km²)
Population Density4,987/sq mi
Coordinates42.7256°N, 87.8142°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyRacine County County
Nearest AirportBatten International (RAC)
2 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 37.0"
3% below US avg
Snowfall 41.0"
Wettest Month (Aug) 3.86"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.38"

Air Quality

AQI Median42.0
RatingGood
Good Days %76.1%
Unhealthy Days11

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Moderate
Risk Score85.4 / 100
Social Vulnerability26.8 / 100
Community Resilience98.8 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Relatively High
Hurricane Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood Relatively Moderate
Hail Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind Relatively High
Heat Wave Relatively Moderate
Winter Weather Relatively Moderate
Lightning Relatively High
Ice Storm Relatively Low
Drought Relatively Low
Cold Wave Relatively High
Landslide Very Low
Coastal Flood Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

5 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.8.

Feb 10, 2010 2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois M3.8 101 km 10 km
Nov 4, 2013 1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois M3.2 103 km 1 km
Jul 15, 2024 2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois M3.1 141 km 10 km
Mar 25, 2015 3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois M2.9 75 km 6 km
Jun 10, 2013 4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois M2.6 100 km 5 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Tornado History

325 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 824 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Path Fatalities
Apr 27, 1984 EF4 53 km 6.5 mi 1
Apr 4, 1981 EF4 84 km 1.8 mi 3
Sep 28, 1972 EF4 50 km 5.2 mi 0
Apr 21, 1967 EF4 74 km 8.8 mi 1
Apr 11, 1965 EF4 73 km 9.1 mi 6
Aug 22, 1964 EF4 73 km 2.2 mi 0
Jan 7, 2008 EF3 47 km 10.8 mi 0
Jan 7, 2008 EF3 91 km 13.2 mi 0
Jun 5, 1980 EF3 90 km 10.7 mi 0
Jul 19, 1963 EF3 39 km 10.6 mi 0
Jul 22, 2010 EF2 35 km 1.0 mi 0
Jun 21, 2010 EF2 58 km 5.2 mi 0
May 18, 1997 EF2 39 km 6.0 mi 0
Apr 19, 1996 EF2 31 km 2.0 mi 0
Sep 28, 1986 EF2 76 km 9.0 mi 0
Jun 15, 1981 EF2 93 km 28.7 mi 0
Aug 4, 1980 EF2 52 km 0.1 mi 0
Jul 16, 1980 EF2 89 km 1.4 mi 0
Jun 6, 1980 EF2 63 km 0.3 mi 0
Jun 5, 1980 EF2 89 km 6.2 mi 0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1954 MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) Avalanche 3.0 m 7 137 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.

Wildfire History

2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 acres, 2024).

Year Name Acres Burned Distance
2024 IBSP SOUTH F1 RX 690 35 km
2024 RX-HWY Y - SOUTH 553 81 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 22°F (-6°C) 1.7 in Coldest
February 27°F (-3°C) 1.4 in Driest
March 34°F (1°C) 2.3 in
April 44°F (7°C) 3.8 in
May 54°F (12°C) 3.2 in
June 64°F (18°C) 3.6 in
July 71°F (22°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 70°F (21°C) 3.9 in Wettest
September 63°F (17°C) 3.7 in
October 52°F (11°C) 2.4 in
November 40°F (5°C) 2.7 in
December 29°F (-2°C) 2.1 in

Racine has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.4").

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