Historically unprecedented warming is projected during this century. Observed temperatures are generally within the envelope of model simulations of the historical period (gray shading). Shading indicates the range of annual temperatures from the set of models. Temperatures in Wisconsin (orange line) have risen more than 2☏ since the beginning of the 20th century. Projected changes for 2006–2100 are from global climate models for two possible futures: one in which greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase (higher emissions) and another in which greenhouse gas emissions increase at a slower rate (lower emissions). Annual average temperatures vary from 39☏ in the north to 50☏ in the south.įigure 1: Observed and projected changes (compared to the 1901–1960 average) in near-surface air temperature for Wisconsin. The state has borders along Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the east, and the proximity to the lakes provides a moderating effect on temperatures for locations along the shorelines. However, periodic intrusions of cooler air from Canada provide breaks from summer heat. The summer is characterized by frequent warm air masses, either hot and dry continental air masses from the arid west and southwest or warm and moist air from the south. The winter season is dominated by dry and cold air, with occasional intrusions of milder air from the west and south. The southern part of the state experiences cold winters and mild to hot summers, while the northern part of the state experiences frigid winters and generally cool summers with brief bouts of excessive heat. Wisconsin’s location in the interior of North America and the lack of mountains to the north and south expose the state to incursions of bitterly cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer, causing a large range of temperatures across the state.
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