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Weather & Climate in Rice Lake, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rice Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°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 31.4 inches. The area receives 52.5 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 1,130 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,130 ft (344 m) |
| Area | 9.7 sq mi (25.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,006/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4820°N, 91.7458°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Barron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE) 4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
260 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 343 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF5 | 79 km | 33.7 mi | 21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF4 | 46 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 88 km | 59.2 mi | 4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 65 km | 11.1 mi | 3 |
| May 21, 1957 | EF4 | 88 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 | EF3 | 69 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 2017 | EF3 | 41 km | 82.5 mi | 1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF3 | 48 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 | EF3 | 78 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 96 km | 10.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 | EF3 | 75 km | 1.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF3 | 51 km | 9.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 84 km | 49.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF3 | 74 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF3 | 69 km | 18.2 mi | 2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 | EF3 | 98 km | 24.4 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 88 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 | EF2 | 93 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 | EF2 | 93 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF2 | 92 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 acres, 2013).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2013 | GERMANN ROAD FIRE | 6,751 | 95 km |
| 2024 | RX-86_FY23 | 2,187 | 79 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 1,850 | 91 km |
| 2007 | PIONEER FIRE | 1,072 | 95 km |
| 2013 | CRANBERRY FIRE | 779 | 79 km |
| 2024 | RX-64 | 553 | 80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°F (-11°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 17°F (-9°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 44°F (6°C) | 2.6 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 65°F (18°C) | 4.3 in | |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 4.3 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 2.7 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.7 in | |
| December | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.3 in |
Rice Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").