Weather & Climate in South Milwaukee, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
South Milwaukee experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches. The area receives 48.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. 69% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 670 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 670 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,254/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9126°N, 87.8623°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Milwaukee County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Mitchell International (MKE) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 68.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 6 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively High |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively High |
| Winter Weather | Very High |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Very High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 | 117 km | 10 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 | 1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois | M3.2 | 124 km | 1 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 | 3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois | M2.9 | 91 km | 6 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 | 4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois | M2.6 | 116 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
304 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 627 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF4 | 42 km | 6.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 | EF4 | 64 km | 1.8 mi | 3 |
| Sep 28, 1972 | EF4 | 70 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 91 km | 8.8 mi | 1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 88 km | 9.1 mi | 6 |
| Aug 22, 1964 | EF4 | 52 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 | EF3 | 98 km | 13.2 mi | 0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 | EF3 | 56 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 78 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF3 | 97 km | 58.6 mi | 2 |
| Jul 19, 1963 | EF3 | 49 km | 10.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 2018 | EF2 | 95 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 22, 2010 | EF2 | 28 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 | EF2 | 52 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 1, 2000 | EF2 | 83 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| May 18, 1997 | EF2 | 57 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF2 | 52 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 | EF2 | 71 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 1986 | EF2 | 86 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1981 | EF2 | 87 km | 28.7 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 acres, 2006).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 1,524 | 91 km |
| 2010 | RX BURN | 1,236 | 91 km |
| 1994 | SOMMERS | 938 | 98 km |
| 1988 | PEACHY RD | 812 | 96 km |
| 2024 | IBSP SOUTH F1 RX | 690 | 56 km |
| 2007 | TOWER RD 2 | 592 | 96 km |
| 2024 | RX-HWY Y - SOUTH | 553 | 72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.7 in | Driest |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.9 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 3.5 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 65°F (18°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 53°F (12°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 40°F (5°C) | 2.2 in | |
| December | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in |
South Milwaukee has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.7").